South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Sankofa Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a company dedicated to providing innovative food waste collection services using the Tamagoji Wheelie Muncher with Gravity Lock technology.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Sankofa Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a South African-based company dedicated to providing food waste collection services to township residential and commercial clients. Our core offering involves the deployment of the Tamagoji Wheelie Muncher, a proprietary waste collection device equipped with gravity lock and effective microorganisms. This innovative technology ensures that collected food waste is effectively treated for composting, promoting sustainable waste management practices and strengthening local food security in the communities we serve by fostering local food gardens.

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

The demand for sustainable waste management solutions in South Africa is growing, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. South Africa faces a significant food waste challenge, with estimates suggesting that up to one-third of all food produced is wasted, amounting to about 10 million tons annually. This waste not only represents a loss of valuable resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when decomposed in landfills. Businesses and households are increasingly seeking efficient ways to manage and reduce their environmental footprint. The food waste management segment offers substantial growth opportunities, as companies and individuals look for practical solutions to minimize waste and support sustainability initiatives.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Sustainability is at the heart of Sankofa Solutions' mission. By offering convenient and eco-friendly food waste collection services, we aim to divert household organic waste from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote composting as a sustainable waste management practice. Our partnerships with local communities and organizations will drive environmental education and awareness, empowering individuals to make eco-friendly choices.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Collaborate with local municipalities and waste management authorities to provide subsidized collection services. Partner with environmentally conscious businesses and organizations to promote our services. Community events, workshops, and sustainability fairs to raise awareness and attract potential customers. Provide educational resources on the benefits of composting and sustainable waste management.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-06-18

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Waste Handling Professional

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

https://www.sankofasolutions.co.za/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Environment

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

promote community subsistence farming

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

provide 100% nutritional ogarnic compost for backyard garden project support

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

clean, carbon-free communities for

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Inclusive education and knowledge transfer to all citizens on some of the globes pressing issues

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

inclusive opportunities for all citizens

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

proper waste handling practices will ensure safe, clean drinking water for communities we serve

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Upskilling of locals to establish own composting sites and vegetable gardens

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Smart neighbourhoods for locals

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Encourage responsible disposal of waste to ensure some materials considered waste are then reused in the value chain

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

reduced carbon emitting food waste going to landfills

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

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

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Service is a first of its kind to wholly focus on lower-income communities, ensuring clean and waste free communities in the near future.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

There are not much companies in least developed communities who focus on household waste, with key focus on food waste conversion to organic compost

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