Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Dukani Live integrates real-time CCTV feeds from multiple shops into a mobile app, enabling users to explore and shop securely online. Our platform ensures product authenticity, secure transactions via an in-app wallet, and fast delivery services.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Dukani Live is a mobile application designed to transform the shopping experience by integrating real-time CCTV feeds from various shops into one platform. Users can virtually explore multiple stores, view live product displays, and make purchases directly through the app. Our in-app wallet ensures secure transactions, holding payments until products are delivered to the customer, thereby minimizing the risk of scams. Additionally, Dukani Live facilitates window shopping by allowing users to compare prices across different shops in real time. Our delivery network ensures that purchased products are promptly delivered to the customers’ doorstep, enhancing convenience and satisfaction. Currently, we are preparing to launch in Dar es Salaam, a city with a high density of retail shops and potential users.

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

The primary problem Dukani Live addresses is the prevalence of online shopping scams, particularly on social media platforms where fraudulent sellers post fake product pictures without having an actual shop. This leads to customers losing money and trust in online shopping. Additionally, many consumers prefer the experience of window shopping to compare prices and products across various stores, which is time-consuming and often impractical in a busy city like Dar es Salaam. Dukani Live provides a secure and efficient solution by offering real-time, transparent access to actual shops and their products, ensuring authenticity and enabling convenient comparison shopping.

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

Enhanced Security and Trust: The integration of live CCTV feeds from shops ensures product authenticity, reducing the risk of scams and building customer trust. Convenient Shopping Experience: Users can explore and purchase products from multiple shops in real-time from the comfort of their homes, saving time and effort. Price Comparison and Selection: The app allows users to compare prices and products across different shops, facilitating informed purchasing decisions and potentially saving money.

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

Dukani Live is primarily aimed at urban consumers, particularly in Dar es Salaam, who prefer the convenience of online shopping but are wary of potential scams. Our targeted beneficiaries include busy professionals, homemakers, and tech-savvy youth who value efficiency and security in their shopping experience. Additionally, we aim to serve shop owners by increasing their visibility and customer reach through the app, thereby boosting their sales and customer engagement. Small and medium-sized retailers, in particular, will benefit from the enhanced exposure and streamlined sales process offered by Dukani Live.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

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

3

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.)

John Mwakyembe: Technical Lead with 5 years of experience in software development and app design, specializing in integrating security features and real-time data processing. Amina Ramadhani: Marketing Specialist with 7 years of experience in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement strategies, focusing on tech startups. David Chuma: Operations Manager with 6 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, ensuring efficient delivery and order fulfillment processes.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Dukani Live contributes to reducing poverty by creating new economic opportunities for small and medium-sized shop owners. By providing a platform where they can reach a wider audience and increase their sales, we help these businesses grow and thrive. This, in turn, leads to job creation and improved livelihoods for employees and their families. Additionally, the secure transaction system ensures that customers are not scammed, protecting their financial resources.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While Dukani Live is not directly focused on food security, it does facilitate access to various retail shops, including those selling food and agricultural products. By streamlining the shopping and delivery process, we make it easier for people to access essential goods, including food, thereby contributing indirectly to improved nutrition and food security.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Dukani Live promotes well-being by reducing the need for physical shopping trips, thus decreasing exposure to crowded areas and lowering the risk of contagious diseases. The convenience of home delivery also supports mental well-being by reducing the stress associated with shopping. Moreover, by ensuring that transactions are secure, we help maintain financial health and stability for users.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Dukani Live does not directly contribute to education. However, the success of our platform can lead to economic growth, which can provide families with more resources to invest in education. Additionally, our business model encourages the development of digital literacy among shop owners and customers.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Dukani Live promotes gender equality by providing equal business opportunities for female shop owners, enabling them to reach a broader customer base and grow their businesses. Our team also includes female co-founders, demonstrating our commitment to gender diversity and empowerment. By fostering an inclusive platform, we support women in retail and entrepreneurship.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Dukani Live does not directly address issues related to clean water and sanitation. Our primary focus is on enhancing the retail shopping experience and economic growth.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Dukani Live does not directly contribute to affordable and clean energy initiatives. Our project is centered on improving the retail sector through technology and secure transactions.

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

Dukani Live drives economic growth by enhancing the visibility and sales of small and medium-sized shops. This creates jobs and promotes entrepreneurship. By providing a secure platform for transactions and deliveries, we ensure that businesses can operate smoothly and efficiently, contributing to sustained economic growth and stable employment.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Dukani Live fosters innovation by integrating real-time CCTV technology into the retail experience, creating a unique and secure shopping platform. Our app supports digital infrastructure development by encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt digital tools and technologies, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and competitiveness.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Dukani Live reduces inequalities by providing equal opportunities for all shop owners to participate in the digital economy, regardless of their size or resources. Our platform helps small and medium-sized enterprises compete with larger retailers by offering them access to a broader customer base and advanced technology. This democratizes the retail space and promotes inclusive economic growth.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Dukani Live supports sustainable urban development by reducing the need for physical shopping trips, which can lower traffic congestion and pollution in cities. By facilitating efficient and secure online shopping and delivery, we contribute to creating more resilient and sustainable urban communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Dukani Live promotes responsible consumption by providing transparency in product availability and pricing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. By supporting local shops and reducing the need for long-distance travel for shopping, we contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Dukani Live indirectly supports climate action by reducing the need for physical shopping trips, thus lowering carbon emissions from transportation. Our delivery system can be optimized to minimize environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable urban logistics.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Dukani Live does not directly address issues related to the conservation of oceans and marine resources. Our focus is on enhancing the retail experience and promoting economic growth.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Dukani Live does not directly contribute to the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Our project is centered on improving the retail sector through technology and secure transactions.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Dukani Live promotes transparency and trust in the retail sector by providing a secure platform for transactions. This can help reduce fraud and corruption, contributing to more accountable and inclusive business practices. By fostering trust between consumers and retailers, we support the development of stronger institutions.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Dukani Live actively collaborates with local shop owners, delivery services, and financial institutions to create a seamless shopping experience. These partnerships are crucial for the effective implementation and success of our platform. By working together with various stakeholders, we contribute to building a supportive ecosystem for sustainable development.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

6

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

05.08 Justification

Our project, Dukani Live, stands out for its innovative approach to merging retail shopping with real-time CCTV technology and mobile app convenience. While there may be existing online shopping platforms, Dukani Live offers a unique value proposition by integrating live CCTV feeds from various shops, allowing users to explore and shop in real time. This technology-driven solution addresses the growing need for secure and transparent online shopping experiences, especially in regions like Dar es Salaam where online scams are prevalent. Our platform not only provides a new type of service but also leverages new technology to meet the evolving demands of consumers.

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

Our main potential competitors include traditional retail shops, online marketplaces, and other e-commerce platforms operating in Dar es Salaam. What sets us apart is our innovative integration of real-time CCTV feeds, ensuring transparency and authenticity in the shopping experience. Unlike traditional online marketplaces, Dukani Live offers a unique selling point by allowing users to virtually explore multiple shops simultaneously and make informed purchasing decisions based on live product displays. Additionally, our focus on local shops and secure transactions distinguishes us from larger e-commerce platforms, catering specifically to the needs of the community while ensuring trust and reliability in every transaction.

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

Yes, we are initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Some examples include: Hosting workshops and seminars specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Establishing mentorship programs where successful female entrepreneurs can provide guidance and support to aspiring women in business. Partnering with women-focused business organizations to provide resources and networking opportunities. Offering scholarships or grants specifically for female entrepreneurs to access training, education, or capital. Advocating for policies that support gender equality and women's empowerment in entrepreneurship at local and regional levels.