Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

AI-powered platform providing open data on Africa's renewable energy potential, empowering clean energy transition & fostering gender-inclusive community development.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Washa Africa is a data-driven initiative aiming to bridge the energy information gap and accelerate the clean energy transition across Africa. Our core activities are around the following : We leverage AI models to analyze satellite imagery and geospatial data, creating high-resolution maps showcasing Africa's solar, wind, and geothermal potential through our user-friendly online platform. Project developers gain insights for optimal project siting, financial institutions can assess risks for informed investment, and governments can optimize grid infrastructure based on renewable energy data. Local communities aren't left behind. Open data empowers them to understand their renewable energy potential and participate in decision-making regarding clean energy solutions in their regions. We also offer capacity-building programs to equip them with data analysis skills.

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

Africa has potential for clean energy, but a lack of accessible and reliable energy data hinders its development. This creates a crucial bottleneck: 1. Existing data is often scattered, inaccessible, or lacks detail for optimal project planning. 2. Suboptimal Project Siting. Without proper data, renewable energy projects may be located in less-than-ideal areas, reducing efficiency and hindering investment. 3.Limited Investment. Uncertainties due to data scarcity discourage investors from financing clean energy projects in Africa. 4.Community Exclusion. Local communities are often left out of the conversation due to a lack of data and understanding of their renewable energy options. This data gap acts as a major barrier, slowing down Africa's transition to clean energy and hindering its economic and social development

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.Accelerated Clean Energy Transition. By bridging the data gap and empowering stakeholders, Washa Africa paves the way for a faster shift towards clean energy across Africa. This translates to increased access to reliable electricity for millions, improved energy security, and creation of green jobs in the clean energy sector. 2.Transparency and Community Ownership. Washa Africa promotes open access to data. This transparency fosters trust and empowers local communities to understand their clean energy potential. They can actively participate in decision-making processes regarding local renewable energy solutions. 3.Data-Driven Decision Making. We empowers stakeholders with high-resolution maps and detailed data on Africa's renewable energy potential. This allows project developers to identify optimal locations for solar, wind, and geothermal project planning leading to increased efficiency and project viability. Financial institutions gain access to data for risk assessment.

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

Project Developers: Renewable energy developers seeking optimal locations for solar, wind, and geothermal projects. Our data helps them make informed decisions, leading to increased project efficiency and viability. Local Communities: The project directly benefits local communities by empowering them with knowledge and data. They gain a clear understanding of their clean energy potential and can actively participate. Financial Institutions: Banks and investment firms can access data for risk assessment, boosting confidence in financing clean energy projects. This unlocks vital funding for the sector. Government Agencies: Government bodies responsible for energy planning and grid infrastructure development can utilize our data to optimize grid expansion plans that seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources Entrepreneurs & Businesses: Entrepreneurs and businesses can explore opportunities in the clean energy sector based on data insights, potentially driving innovation.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

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.)

Pauline Tumaini -Junior Consultant Engineer Studio Santi

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

Reliable and affordable clean energy unlocks a wealth of opportunities for communities struggling with poverty. Improved access to electricity powers homes, businesses, and vital services like healthcare and education. This fosters economic activity, job creation, and increased income generation, lifting families out of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Reliable access to clean energy empowers farmers with new tools to enhance food security. Irrigation systems can run longer with solar power, extending growing seasons and increasing yields. Additionally, food storage facilities can utilize clean energy for better refrigeration, reducing spoilage and waste. Clean energy can improve efficiency across the food value chain. Processing and storage facilities powered by renewables can minimize post-harvest losses, ensuring more food reaches consumers.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Reliable electricity empowers healthcare facilities to operate effectively. This translates to better access to vital medical equipment, improved lighting for surgeries, and efficient refrigeration for storing vaccines and medications. All these factors contribute to improved healthcare outcomes and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Reliable electricity allows schools to extend learning hours beyond daylight limitations. This enables additional classes, after-school programs, and improved access to technology for educational purposes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Clean energy solutions like solar lighting free up women's time previously spent collecting firewood. This empowers them to pursue education, income-generating activities, or participate in community decision-making processes.

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

Our project's foundation lies in promoting affordable and clean energy access across Africa. By providing a platform with open access to data on renewable energy potential, we empower informed decision-making for project development and investment in solar, wind, and geothermal resources Our platform helps identify optimal locations for clean energy projects, leading to reduced infrastructure costs and improved efficiency in energy generation. This translates to lower energy production costs, ultimately contributing to affordable clean energy for consumers.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By creating green jobs, boosting business productivity, enabling clean energy entrepreneurship, and promoting economic diversification and gender equality, Washa Africa makes a significant contribution to achieving Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) across Africa.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Through access of data we empower innovation, optimize infrastructure development, and empowers local communities, all of which are crucial steps towards achieving Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and building a sustainable energy future for Africa.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

We bridge the energy data gap and empowering underserved communities in Africa. Clean energy data scarcity disproportionately affects rural and remote communities in Africa. Washa Africa's open data platform provides underserved communities with the same information previously accessible only to well-resourced project developers. This empowers them to advocate for their clean energy needs and participate in decision-making processes. Our project doesn't just provide data; it fosters ownership. Washa directly addresses inequalities in energy access, economic opportunities, and environmental impact.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Reliable access to clean energy is crucial for sustainable urban development. Our project empowers cities to leverage data for optimal placement of solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal plants, fostering a cleaner and more efficient energy supply. Our data-driven approach empowers cities to transition towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

We provide data on renewable energy potential, through this Washa Africa empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions about resource utilization. This promotes efficient use of resources and minimizes environmental impact throughout the energy production and consumption chain.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Washa promotes a just transition towards clean energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. This significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions mitigates climate change and its devastating impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Clean energy access reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels like firewood for cooking and heating. This minimizes deforestation, protecting vital ecosystems and the biodiversity. The data platform empowers communities with knowledge about renewable energy potential. This information can be used to identify areas best suited for clean energy projects, minimizing the impact on ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices.

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

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our project progresses on partnerships between various stakeholders. Washa Africa welcomes collaboration with international organizations and partners to share best practices, attract investment, and scale up the clean energy transition across Africa. Our success can be replicated in other developing regions facing similar energy challenges.

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.

6

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.

3

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

5

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

4

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

5

05.08 Justification

Washa represents a transformative approach to accelerating Africa's clean energy transition. We work on Democratizing Data. Unlike traditional data analysis services with limited accessibility, Washa Africa champions open data. This empowers various stakeholders – project developers, financial institutions, governments, and local communities – to participate in a collaborative clean energy future. Through this we fosters transparency and allow communities to understand their renewable energy potential, creating a sense of ownership and informed decision-making. We break down barriers and bridge the digital gap. Complex data analysis tools can be a barrier for many. Washa Africa's user-friendly online platform makes high-resolution renewable energy potential maps readily accessible to a wider audience, facilitating informed decision-making across sectors. Washa goes beyond by offering capacity-building programs to equip local communities with the skills to analyze data effective

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

Clean energy consultancies offering data analysis services, Government agencies with renewable energy data platforms Research institutions focusing on African renewable energy potential What makes us standout: Open data philosophy which focuses on accessible data for all stakeholders. User-friendly platform easy to use for non-technical audiences. Community empowerment by building capacity Collaboration

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

Launched a newsletter to give PR to entrepreneurs especially women. Trained more than 600+ female digital skills .