Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ziro is a clean innovation business focused on the idea of getting around in ways that are good for the environment, society, and the economy. Our electric assisted cargo tricycles are specifically designed so that they are a

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Ziro offers clean innovation designs by manufacturing of an Electric power assisted cargo tricycle for small scale farmers, merchants and construction works. The design is a hybrid between fuel powered vehicles (such as Tractors, Motorcycles and Cars) and traditional means of moving goods (such as bicycles, tricycles, wheel barrows, carts and animal carts) offer a more sustainable and affordable way of mobility compared to the fuel powered vehicles and a fast and more efficient way compared to the traditional means of moving goods.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The Agricultural and Industrial processes are considered as two among five of the major sources of emissions in Tanzania. Others being Waste, Energy and Land Use Land Use change and Forest. Adapting the use of Electric vehicles can be a challenge to them due to limited charging infrastructures, unreliable electricity grid and high upfront costs as the EVs have to be imported outside of Africa. Large portion, over 90%, of the sector are small scale industries whom lack access to sustainable, affordable and efficient equipment. The Electric pedal-assisted cargo tricycle offers a compelling benefit that make it a great choice solving the challenges for adaptability, a fun and healthy way to get around with minimal climate impact By utilizing the use of battery power and Electric motors which typically convert over 90% of battery power (source power) for propulsion compared to 15-25% for internal combustion engines.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Our innovation will help farmers so easily maneuver across varying landscapes hauling crops, manure and irrigation. 2. The electric assisted cargo tricycle is ideal for use at construction sites and industries. At fast, clean and efficient ways workers will be able to move cements, gravel, sand, working tools, heavy loads and dump with ease and no back pain. 3. Our design will also help with ease for peddlers and merchants to sell their convenience store products, souvenirs, ice cream, food and drinks delivered to customers where they live, work and play.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

About 1,023,520 activities in Dar es Salaam, are informal sector activities. 76.6% of these operate in non-permanent premises (Peddlers, famous for their local name as Machinga). 57.4% are females while 56.4% are aged between 36-64 years and those with primary education 66.9%. Almost half of the sector engage in the wholesale and retail trade. Their main reason for business is the inability to find formal work and need for extra income. About 7 in 10 face challenges in getting market or customers while 82.6% lack inadequate capital. The formal sector has over 2,599,311 employees. Over 58% of them are employed in Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction and agricultural sectors. The Merchants (Wholesale and retail traders) has over 52,820 establishments, Manufacturing over 54,017, Construction over 489 establishments and Agriculture over 461 establishments. Nearly 90% of all the establishments are micro enterprises. All of which are Ziro's target market.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-13

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

N/A

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.instagram.com/ziroventures?igsh=MXJmcHd4cTk1djAyOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Increased Physical Activity: The electric assist on the cargo tricycle makes cycling accessible to a wider range of people regardless of age or fitness level. This encourages more people to get active even for short trips, leading to improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength and balance. Reduced Air Pollution: The tricycles are zero-emission vehicles, unlike cars and trucks. By replacing car trips for errands and deliveries, they contribute to cleaner air, especially in urban areas. This reduces respiratory problems and improves overall health for everyone.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By utilizing the use of battery power the e-trike significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and associated GHG emissions compared to traditional cargo vehicles. Electric motors typically convert over 90% of battery power (source power) for propulsion compared to 15-25% for internal combustion engines. Its high efficiency translates to low energy losses, low energy consumption per kilometer and a more cost-effective energy source. The tricycles can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar panels, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy use.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality while using our design aligns with the SDG 9 target 9.4 which aims to "upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable and resilient to climate change. Improved access to goods and services: Our product can be particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to traditional transportation infrastructure which aligns with target 9.a which focuses on facilitating "sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries".

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Reduced air and noise pollution: Electric motors eliminate tailpipe emissions and significantly reduce noise compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This contributes to cleaner air and a more pleasant urban environment. Improved traffic congestion: Cargo tricycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, allowing them to navigate congested streets more efficiently. This can reduce traffic jams and improved traffic flow. Accessibility and connectivity: Cargo tricycles can access narrow streets and areas inaccessible to larger vehicles. This can improve access to goods and services for residents in different parts of the city.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Reduced air and noise pollution: This directly addresses target 12.b of SDG 12 Lower energy consumption:

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By utilizing the use of battery power the e-trike significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and associated GHG emissions compared to traditional cargo vehicles. Electric motors typically convert over 90% of battery power (source power) for propulsion compared to 15-25% for internal combustion engines. Its high efficiency translates to low energy losses, low energy consumption per kilometer and a more cost-effective energy source.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

1. It's Not All New, But New Here: The technology itself might not be entirely new, but its application in the Tanzanian context and the focus on local manufacturing make it innovative for the region. This project creates a local manufacturing base, fostering technical skills and economic benefits. This considers factors like; Road conditions, Cargo capacity, and Affordability. 2. Addressing a Gap: Electric cargo tricycles can fill a gap in Tanzania's transportation sector, particulary for last-mile deliveries and small businesses. This project could be a pioneer, paving the way for wider adoption. 3. Partnership Model: The focus on partnerships between local and international actors is innovative. This collaborative approach leverages diverse strengths and resources for a more sustainable project. 4. Sustainable Sourcing: Sourcing materials locally or regionally where possible can reduce the project's environmental footprint.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The context of Ziro's project in Tanzania, the main competitors aren't other manufacturers of electric cargo tricycles, but rather the existing transportation options currently used for moving goods: 1. Traditional Fuel-Powered Vehicles: Cars, vans, and gasoline or diesel powered tricycles (commonly known as guttas) are common for deliveries and transporting goods. The electric cargo trike would compete on being a more affordable, environmentally friendly option. 2. Boda Bodas: Thes motorcycle taxis are widely used for short-distance transportation, including goods. The electric cargo trikes would offer a more stable, safer and potentially larger cargo capacity. 3. Human-Powered Carts: people pushing carts are a common sight in Tanzania. Electric trikes would offer increased efficiency, reduced physical strain, and potentially larger hauling capacity. Generally, the Ziro's project for electric assisted cargo tricycles would stand out from these competitors offering Lower Running Costs

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

No