Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

NoLS Tanzania is a startup that plans to engage the recycling of waste papers and turn them into high-quality ( paper-based products) by employing 100% collection, processing, and production to used papers (free-tree products).

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Traditional paper production relies heavily on cutting down trees, contributing to deforestation and the loss of valuable ecosystems. Our tree-free paper options are designed to address this pressing environmental issue. Our innovative recycling process transforms discarded papers into high-quality Papers & other products related to papers. It is true that in East Africa, the focus on recycling has been prioritized in various areas. However, when it comes to papers that have been used since independence, they have been dumped on land. NoLS Tanzania will stands out as the only startup of its kind that will engages in the 100% production of papers by utilizing existing used papers from high-volume users such as NECTA, universities, colleges, schools. Tanzania Imports of Paper, articles of pulp, was US$188.84 Million during 2022 (COMTRADE database) on international trade. NoLS Tanzania will provide a solution not only but entire East Africa.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the inefficient management of waste paper, where now the life of a paper production starts with tree cutting in a forest and ends with the burning. The high demand for paper, along with lack of recycling of paper practices in East Africa, leads to the unsustainable use of natural resources. Deforestation that is a results of paper production destroys vital ecosystems and reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and regulate temperatures. The extraction and processing of raw materials for paper production, including water and energy-intensive processes, further deplete valuable resources and contribute to environmental degradation.

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. Environmental Sustainability, by utilizing used papers as raw materials this will helps to combat climate change by minimizing carbon emissions associated with traditional paper production. 2. Circular Economy, by creating a closed-loop system for paper materials by reducing waste generation and extends the lifespan of paper resources, and minimizes the need for virgin raw materials this promote resource efficiency and contribute to a greener future. 3. High-Quality Products, We are committed to producing high-quality paper-based products. Our recycling process will ensures that the end products meet industry standards and are comparable in quality to those made from virgin materials. This will enable our customers to rely on our products for their printing, writing, and various other paper needs, knowing that they are both environmentally responsible and of exceptional quality.

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

1. Businesses and Organizations, we target businesses and organizations of all sizes that have a paper-intensive workflow. This includes Universities, Colleges, Schools, government agencies such as National Examination Council, and printing companies. By providing them with high-quality recycled paper products, we offer a sustainable alternative that aligns with their environmental goals and helps them reduce their carbon footprint. 2. Individuals and Consumers, our project caters to individual consumers who have a need for paper-based products for printing documents, writing, or creative purposes; we offer Eco-friendly options that allow individuals to make environmentally responsible choices without compromising on quality. 3. Local Communities, our project benefits local communities by creating employment opportunities in the recycling and production sectors. We aim to establish partnerships with local waste management systems to ensure a steady supply of waste papers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-02-25

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

1. RASHIDI SUED RASHIDI is a co-founder and business strategist with a passion for technology, and food security. He holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Dar es Salaam. Currently leading NoLS Tanzania & SafariStay, where he applies data-driven insights to drive growth and maximize ROI. His innovativeness and skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and market research enable me to make informed decisions and identify new business opportunities. 2. CAROLINE ROBERT LAIZER is a highly motivated and driven professional dedicated to achieving excellence in the fields of accounting and business from University of Dar es Salaam Business School-UDBS. In parallel, Caroline is actively working towards obtaining her Certification of Public Accountant (CPA) at the intermediate stage, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to professional growth and expertise in the field. Caroline holds the esteemed position of an Accounting Technician.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mussa-ngeleja-9898a7241

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Environmental (Waste Management)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

1. Employment Generation, We hire individuals for roles such as waste collection, processing, production, and distribution. These employment opportunities contribute to poverty reduction by providing stable incomes and economic empowerment. 2. Economic Empowerment, we vow to support local waste collectors and suppliers by creating a market for their waste paper materials, enabling them to earn a livelihood from their work. 3. Social Impact, through collaboration with local organizations and educational institutions to raise awareness about waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability. By educating and involving the community, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards poverty reduction and environmental conservation.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

1. Environmental Impact, by reducing the amount of paper waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, we help mitigate pollution and prevent the release of harmful toxins into the environment. This, in turn, promotes cleaner air and water, leading to improved health outcomes for communities. 2. We actively engage in awareness and educational initiatives related to waste management and environmental sustainability. Through collaborations with local organizations and educational institutions, we raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal, recycling, and its impact on overall health and well-being. By empowering individuals with knowledge, we encourage responsible behaviors and promote a healthier environment. NoLS Tanzania aims to make a positive impact on the goal of Good Health and Well-Being by promoting environmental sustainability, raising awareness, collaborating with healthcare institutions, and contributing to overall community well-being

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

1. Access to Educational Materials, we vow to provide high-quality paper products, including A4, A3, and legal papers, which are essential for various educational purposes. By offering reliable and affordable paper materials, we will contribute to ensuring access to educational resources for students, teachers, and educational institutions. Our products support the learning and teaching processes, promoting quality education. 2. Environmental Education, as we actively engage in environmental education initiatives. Through collaborations with schools, colleges, and educational organizations, we raise awareness about the importance of recycling, waste management, and environmental sustainability. By providing practical examples of how waste paper can be recycled into valuable products, we promote a culture of environmental responsibility and educate students about sustainable practices.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

1. Inclusive Hiring Practices, NoLS Tanzania one of our strength is the promotion of inclusive gender and provide the high priorities to Youth and women to equitable work environment. Our hiring and employment practices do not discriminate based on gender, and we actively seek to provide equal opportunities for women and men. We believe in creating a diverse and balanced workforce, which allows us to tap into the full potential of our community. 2. Women's Economic Empowerment, our employment and training programs, aim to empower women economically. We will provide job opportunities and skills development in areas such as waste collection, processing, and paper production. By enabling women to earn a stable income and gain valuable skills, we contribute to their financial independence and decision-making power within their households and communities. Also establish the foundation that workout for the sake of promoting the access to better future for the marginalized societies.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

1. Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, our startup practices are designed to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We will prioritize the use of environmentally-friendly technologies, efficient resource utilization, and the integration of local suppliers and waste collectors into our value chain. This approach ensures that our economic activities positively impact the community and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the region. 2. At the core of our business model is the creation of employment opportunities. Through our recycling and paper production operations, we will offer various job roles, including waste collection, processing, manufacturing, and logistics. By providing stable and fair employment, we contribute to the economic empowerment of individuals within our community

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

1. Innovative Recycling Technology, at the heart of our operations is the use of innovative recycling technology that will convert waste paper into high-quality paper products. We have developed a research and market analysis and we agree to implement state-of-the-art machinery and processes that enable us to efficiently recycle and up cycle paper waste. This technological innovation sets us apart and helps drive the transition towards a more sustainable industrial model. 2 Collaboration and Ecosystem Building, as NoLS Tanzania we will actively engage with other businesses, industry associations, and policymakers to foster a collaborative ecosystem. By establishing partnerships and participating in industry dialogues, we will contribute to the development of policies, regulations, and initiatives that support the growth of sustainable and inclusive industrialization.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

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

1. Waste Management Solutions, we will provide innovative waste management solutions by converting waste paper into valuable products. This helps to address the pressing challenge of waste accumulation in urban areas, reducing the burden on local municipalities and promoting a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. 2. Community Engagement and Awareness the engagement with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management practices. 3. Inclusive Job Creation this goes with offering employment opportunities in our recycling and paper production processes, we provide economic opportunities for members of the local community. 4. Sustainable Urban Infrastructure, we have developed and maintained sustainable infrastructure, including waste collection, storage, and processing facilities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

1. Circular Economy Approach, our business model is the adoption of circular economy principles, through converting waste paper into new paper products, we will create a closed-loop system that reduces the reliance on virgin raw materials and minimizes waste. 2. Waste Collection and Segregation, we designed an efficient waste collection and segregation system that enables us to source high-quality waste paper from various sources, including households, businesses, and institutions. 3. Resource Efficiency and Recycling, through our innovative recycling technology and processes, we are able to maximize the utilization of waste paper and transform it into high-quality paper products. By optimizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste, we contribute to the overall sustainability of our production processes. Through Product Stewardship, we are committed to the responsible design and marketing of our paper products.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction, our recycling-based business model actively reduces carbon emissions by diverting waste paper from landfills and incineration. By transforming this waste into new paper products, we avoid the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of virgin paper from raw materials. 2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, In our production processes, we have conduct the research and we are planning to ensure that the facilities are measured to improve energy efficiency, such as the use of energy-efficient equipment and optimized production workflows, for the future we will make ant integration of the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of our operations. 3. Sustainable Waste Management, the waste collection, segregation, and recycling systems play a crucial role in responsible waste management, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

1. Soil and Land Degradation Control, through our waste management and recycling operations, we will contribute to the reduction of land degradation by diverting organic waste from landfills and promoting the circular use of resources.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

1. Multi-stakeholder Collaborations, we will actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, like government agencies, private sector entities, NGOs, and local communities, to foster collaborative partnerships for sustainable development. 2. Financing and Investment Facilitation by working with financial institutions, impact investors, and development partners to explore and facilitate access to sustainable financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, blended finance, and impact investment funds. By leveraging these financial resources, we will scale up our operations, replicate successful models, and support the broader ecosystem of sustainable development initiatives. 3. Technology Transfer and Innovation through collaborating with technology providers, innovative organizations to facilitate the transfer and adaptation of sustainable technologies and best practices.

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

3

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.

6

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

6

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

05.08 Justification

The product we will design creating represents a significant innovation in our industry. While there are some similar offerings in the market that based on importation and few from local producer, our solution will incorporate a number of unique and differentiating features that set it apart from the competition. At the core of our innovation is the use of a leverage technology that has not been adopted in the region. By leveraging this innovative technology, we will be able to address a key pain point that has long been a challenge for customers in our target market. Our product also features a number of design and functional improvements that will enhance the overall user experience. Based on extensive customer research and feedback, we have identified several areas where existing solutions fall short in meeting customer needs.

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

Our primary competitors in the market include MUFINDI PAPER MILLS LIMITED, KIBO PAPER INDUSTRIES LIMITED and TWIGA PAPER PRODUCT LIMITED. They all offer the production of paper based products by engaging its operation on 100% tree cutting edge technology. As NoLS Tanzania we are innovative and we are the only entity that will declare that the 100% of our operation will depend on the use of waste papers products that have been ended by burning and dump on the land. Traditional paper production relies heavily on cutting down trees, contributing to deforestation and the loss of valuable ecosystems. Our TREE-FREE PAPER options are designed to address this pressing environmental issue. Our innovative recycling process transforms discarded papers into high-quality A4, A3, Gross Paper, Legal Papers & other products related to papers. This set us apart from our competitor and the paper industry in Tanzania and East Africa.

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

YES, I volunteer my time with a non-profit organization that provides training, forum, and other resources to support women starting new businesses in underserved areas of our community. Through these initiatives, I stand to inspire women and girls to break down barriers to female entrepreneurship by focusing on those graduates who felt marginalized by the systems. I stand across through advice and guide them to attain a consistency on their business.