Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Natives of Zagsliari struggle to access clean water, facing long journeys. Our project uses mechanized boreholes to deliver clean water, improving health, saving time, and ensuring universal access. #WaterForAll

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our group intends to use geophysical research to locate and exploit groundwater resources in Zagsliari, northern Ghana so that the locals can have access to potable water. By using this novel strategy, water collection time will be decreased, sanitation will be improved, and the general health and well-being of the community will be raised. We hope to significantly improve the lives of northern Ghanaians and foster a healthier and more prosperous future by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies.

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

Many people in Zagsliari, northern Ghana cannot afford the luxury of having access to clean drinking water. Children who attend school must walk kilometers every day for hours on end to gather water from dangerous sources, which puts them at risk for waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid fever. Their education is also impacted because valuable class time is lost for water collection, in addition to their health. Investment is desperately needed to address this situation, provide clean water solutions to guarantee the health of bodies and minds, and provide these young students a better future.

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

Three important factors justify the provision of a mechanized borehole with drinkable water to the people of Zagsliari, in northern Ghana: Improved Health: Having access to clean water helps prevent waterborne illnesses, which improves general health and wellness. Time Efficiency: Because mechanized boreholes eliminate the need for hours-long water collection, adults may engage in worthwhile activities and children can concentrate on their education. Economic Empowerment: The cycle of poverty is broken when there is consistent access to clean water, which opens doors for livelihood development, agriculture, and business.

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

Children and women in Zagsliari , a deprived community in Walewale , Northeast region.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-06-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

The owners have experience in geophysical survey, geology, mechanization of borehole, project management. The owners have developed groundwater for communities, industries and homes in Ghana. Additional owners have peoples skills , harnessing talents to solve society challenges.

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

https://axisborehole.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Construction

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Provision of potable water helps in the process of preparing healthy meals, cuts down cost

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Boosts income: Time saved collecting unsafe water is time for work & income-generating activities, lifting families out of poverty (SDG 1). Improves health: Safe water reduces waterborne illnesses, leading to better health & ability to work (SDG 1). Healthy bodies also absorb nutrients better, reducing malnutrition and hunger (SDG 2). Empowers women: Boreholes closer to home free up women for income-generating activities (SDG 1) and better food preparation (SDG 2). Increases food production: Reliable water allows for irrigation and kitchen gardens, boosting food security and reducing hunger (SDG 2). Improves sanitation: Safe water promotes hygiene, reducing risk of illness impacting food production and consumption (SDG 2).

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

Reduces waterborne diseases: Contaminated water is a major cause of illness, especially for children. Boreholes provide clean water, drastically lowering diarrhea, cholera, and other waterborne illnesses. Improves hygiene: Reliable water access allows for handwashing and sanitation practices, further reducing the spread of disease. Boosts child development: Good health from clean water leads to better school attendance and cognitive development in children. Empowers women and girls: Time saved collecting water allows women and girls to prioritize health and hygiene practices for themselves and their families. Reduces healthcare costs: Fewer waterborne illnesses mean less strain on healthcare systems and lower medical expenses for families.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Improved health: Safe water reduces waterborne illnesses, leading to fewer absences and better focus in school. Reduced time burden: Time saved collecting water frees up children, especially girls, to attend school more regularly. Empowered girls: Girls burdened with water collection have less time for education. Boreholes allow them to prioritize schoolwork. Sanitation & hygiene: Reliable water access promotes proper hygiene practices in schools, preventing illness outbreaks. School gardens: Boreholes provide water for school gardens, promoting healthy eating habits and potentially boosting school meals programs.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Empowers women & girls: Traditionally, women and girls spend hours collecting water. Boreholes closer to home free them up for education, work, and leisure. Reduces health risks: Women often fetch water at night, exposing them to violence. Boreholes near home improve safety and security. Improves hygiene: Reliable water allows for better menstrual hygiene management, crucial for girls' health and education. Boosts income: Time saved collecting water allows women to pursue income-generating activities, closing the economic gap. Shared responsibility: Boreholes encourage community participation in water management, fostering gender equality in decision-making.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Provides safe drinking water: Boreholes eliminate reliance on unsafe sources, offering clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Reduces open defecation: Reliable water access promotes building and using toilets, reducing water contamination and disease. Improves sanitation: Water availability allows for handwashing and proper hygiene practices, crucial for sanitation. Sustainable solution: Boreholes are a long-term solution, providing consistent clean water access for communities. Community management: Borehole projects often involve training and empowering communities to manage water resources effectively. By

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Reduced reliance on traditional fuels: Time saved collecting water can be used for gathering firewood, potentially reducing deforestation and reliance on unsustainable cooking fuels. Solar-powered pumps: some boreholes utilize solar-powered pumps, promoting clean energy access in rural areas and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Community development: Improved health and well-being from clean water can empower communities to pursue renewable energy solutions.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Increased productivity: Time saved collecting water allows people to dedicate more hours to work and income-generating activities. Improved health: Reduced waterborne illnesses lead to a healthier workforce, lowering absenteeism and boosting productivity. Entrepreneurship: Reliable water access facilitates small businesses like food stalls or car washes, promoting economic growth. Empowered women: Boreholes free up women's time, allowing them to pursue paid work and contribute to household income. Reduced migration: Access to water can incentivize people to stay in their communities and contribute to the local economy.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Infrastructure development: boreholes represent essential water infrastructure, providing a reliable and sustainable source for communities. Innovation in drilling: The technology behind mechanized boreholes is constantly evolving. Advancements in drilling techniques, materials, and efficiency contribute to overall industry innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Empowers marginalized groups: Women, children, and low-income households often bear the brunt of water collection burdens. Boreholes close the gap by providing equitable access for all. Improves health outcomes: Waterborne illnesses disproportionately affect poorer communities. Clean water reduces this disparity, leading to better health for all. Boosts economic opportunities: Time saved collecting water allows everyone, especially marginalized groups, to pursue income-generating activities and climb the economic ladder. Location focus: Borehole projects often target underserved rural areas, directly addressing geographical inequalities in water access. Community ownership: Projects that involve community management of boreholes foster social inclusion and empower marginalized voices in decision-making.

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

Improved health & sanitation: Clean water reduces disease, promotes hygiene practices, and creates healthier communities. Reduced environmental impact: Time saved collecting water lessens pressure on natural resources like springs or rivers. Climate resilience: Reliable water access helps communities adapt to droughts and other climate challenges. Economic development: Improved health and productivity lead to a stronger local economy and opportunities for small businesses. Community cohesion: Borehole projects often involve community participation, fostering collaboration and social well-being.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Reduced water waste: reliable access discourages excessive water use often seen with unreliable sources. Sustainable solution: Boreholes are built to last, minimizing resource depletion needed for constant repairs or replacements. Improved sanitation: Clean water promotes handwashing and hygiene, reducing reliance on disposable products. Community management: Borehole projects often involve water conservation education, fostering responsible water use practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Reduces deforestation: Time saved collecting water lessens reliance on firewood, protecting forests and mitigating climate change. Climate resilience: Reliable water access helps communities adapt to droughts, a growing climate threat. Sustainable solution: Boreholes minimize energy use compared to traditional water sources requiring treatment or pumping. Sanitation & hygiene: Clean water promotes hygiene, reducing waterborne diseases that strain healthcare systems during climate disasters. Community involvement: Borehole projects can integrate rainwater harvesting techniques, fostering climate-smart water management.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Improved health & sanitation: clean water reduces disease, promotes hygiene practices, and creates healthier communities. Reduced environmental impact: Time saved collecting water lessens pressure on natural resources like springs or rivers. Climate resilience: Reliable water access helps communities adapt to droughts and other climate challenges. Economic development: Improved health and productivity lead to a stronger local economy and opportunities for small businesses. Community cohesion: Borehole projects often involve community participation, fostering collaboration and social well-being.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Habitat protection: Reduced reliance on collecting water from fragile ecosystems like rivers or springs minimizes disturbance and protects biodiversity. Improved sanitation: Clean water promotes hygiene, reducing waterborne diseases that can spread to wildlife populations. Climate resilience: Reliable water access helps communities adapt to droughts, protecting against desertification and habitat loss. Sustainable agriculture: Boreholes provide water for irrigation, promoting sustainable farming practices that conserve soil health and ecosystems. Community empowerment: Borehole projects can integrate rainwater harvesting, fostering a holistic approach to water management that benefits all life on land.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Reduced conflict: Water scarcity can fuel tensions. Boreholes providing equitable access can ease competition and promote peace. Empowered communities: Borehole projects often involve community participation, fostering collaboration and social cohesion. Stronger institutions: Reliable water access reduces strain on healthcare systems, allowing governments to focus on broader development goals. Gender equality: Time saved collecting water empowers women, promoting social justice and fairer decision-making. Sustainable development: Boreholes are a long-term solution, laying a foundation for sustainable water management and a more just future.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Collaboration is key: Borehole projects often involve partnerships between NGOs, governments, and communities, fostering collaboration for sustainable development. Private sector involvement: Partnerships with drilling companies ensure access to expertise and technology for efficient water solutions. Shared resources: Partnerships leverage resources and expertise, maximizing impact and reaching more communities in need. Capacity building: Training local communities to manage boreholes empowers them and creates a lasting impact. Long-term commitment: Boreholes are a long-term solution, requiring ongoing partnerships for maintenance and community support.

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

3

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

3

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

2

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

4

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

4

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

3

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Mechanized boreholes are not entirely new, using solar-powered boreholes is new , considering the energy of the world.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Ghana Water Limited , Community Water and Sanitation Agency are the main competitors. The advantage we have over them these two competitors is they reach is limited to urban and peri-urban areas , also GWL is largely dependent on surface water ,which is being polluted easily by antropogenic activities such as illegal mining.

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

Yes, offer basic mathematics and computer training to high school girls.