Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Solar Stokvel for All provides affordable, clean energy to underserved communities through collective purchasing, installation, and support. Members pay in installments, receiving solar systems sequentially, fostering energy independence.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Solar Stokvel for All is an innovative initiative providing affordable, clean energy to underserved communities through collective purchasing, installation, and support. By leveraging the traditional stokvel/mukando group savings model, community members can acquire solar systems with manageable monthly payments. For example, a 3KVA solar system costing $1400 can be paid off in $180 monthly installments over eight months. Each month, one member of the group receives a solar system installation, fostering mutual support and shared progress. This hybrid financing model, combining elements of laybye and credit, makes solar energy accessible and affordable. Members benefit from clean energy while supporting each other's energy independence and economic empowerment. The project aims to enhance energy access, reduce costs, and promote sustainable living in underserved areas.

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

The main problem 'Solar Stokvel for All' aims to solve is the lack of affordable and reliable energy access in underserved communities, particularly in Zimbabwe. Load-shedding and inconsistent power supply disrupt daily life and economic activities. Many households remain unconnected to the grid, relying on expensive and harmful energy sources. High startup costs for solar systems are a major barrier, preventing widespread adoption of clean energy. Moreover, flexible financing options for solar are often reserved for government workers and pensioners, leaving the majority in the private sector and informal economy without access. By leveraging the traditional stokvel/mukando group savings model, our project offers a solution through collective purchasing, enabling members to pay affordable monthly installments. This approach makes solar energy accessible to all, fostering community cooperation, economic empowerment, and long-term sustainability.

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

Affordable Access to Clean Energy: Our project enables underserved communities to access clean and reliable solar energy through manageable monthly payments, breaking down the financial barriers to adoption. Community Empowerment: By leveraging the traditional stokvel/mukando group savings model, we foster community cooperation and mutual support. Members not only benefit from clean energy but also contribute to each other's energy independence and economic empowerment.Flexible Financing for All: Unlike traditional financing options that are often limited to government workers and pensioners, our project offers flexible financing options accessible to all, including those in the private sector and informal economy. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without financial strain.These benefits contribute to enhancing energy access, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable living in underserved communities.

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

Our project is aimed at serving underserved communities, particularly in Zimbabwe, who lack access to affordable and reliable energy. The targeted beneficiaries include households experiencing load-shedding, those not yet connected to the grid, and individuals facing high startup costs for switching to solar. Additionally, we cater to the needs of the private sector and informal economy, who often have limited access to flexible financing options for solar. By providing affordable and accessible solar energy solutions through collective purchasing and flexible financing, our project empowers these communities to achieve energy independence, reduce costs, and improve their quality of life.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-06-01

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.)

Tawanda Maruza holds a B.Eng Honors Degree in Production Engineering from Chinhoyi University, bringing expertise in engineering and production processes to the team. Charlet Mbizi is currently studying Computer Engineering at Brigham Young University, with a focus on technology and innovation. Together, they combine their skills and knowledge in engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive the success of 'Solar Stokvel for All.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066652992757&mibextid=ZbWKwL

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel addresses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "No Poverty" by: - Providing affordable and reliable clean energy, reducing energy costs for low-income households and small businesses - Creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth through our solar installation and maintenance services - Empowering communities with access to energy, enabling them to power essential services like healthcare, education, and communication - Promoting sustainable development and reducing the burden of energy poverty on underserved communities By addressing energy poverty, we contribute to reducing poverty in all its forms, creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "Zero Hunger" by: - Enabling farmers to irrigate their crops and power their farms using reliable and affordable solar energy - Increasing food security and production through sustainable agriculture practices - Powering food processing and storage, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing access to nutritious food - Supporting rural development and creating jobs in agriculture, reducing migration and promoting sustainable livelihoods By addressing energy access and promoting sustainable agriculture, we contribute to ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

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

Solar Stokvel contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "Good Health and Well-being" by: - Providing reliable and clean energy for healthcare facilities, enabling quality healthcare services and vaccine storage - Powering clean water systems and sanitation infrastructure, reducing waterborne diseases - Enabling access to energy for households, reducing indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods - Supporting healthcare services in remote areas through sustainable energy solutions By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, especially in underserved communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel's impact on "Quality Education" can also be seen in the homes where our installations take place, such as: - Providing reliable lighting for students to study and complete homework - Powering computers and tablets for online learning and research - Enabling families to access educational resources and information through TV and radio - Creating a comfortable and safe learning environment, free from air pollution and fire hazards By bringing clean energy to homes, we support students' academic success and foster a love of learning that can last a lifetime!

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel promotes gender equality by: - Empowering women with access to clean energy for lighting and other essential needs - Providing women with economic opportunities through our installation and maintenance services - Enabling girls to study safely at home with reliable lighting, improving their academic performance and opportunities - Supporting women's economic empowerment and independence through access to energy and economic opportunities By addressing energy poverty and promoting sustainable energy, we contribute to gender equality and women's empowerment in underserved communities, even if our systems don't directly power stoves.

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

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel is a perfect fit for "Affordable and Clean Energy" since we: - Provide affordable and reliable solar energy solutions for low-income households and small businesses - Offer clean energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact - Enable communities to access energy independence, reducing energy poverty and inequality - Support sustainable development and economic growth through access to affordable and clean energy By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.

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

Solar Stokvel contributes to "Decent Work and Economic Growth" by: - Creating jobs and employment opportunities in the solar energy industry - Providing training and skills development for solar installation and maintenance technicians - Supporting local economic growth through investment in renewable energy infrastructure - Enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to access reliable and affordable energy, promoting economic productivity and growth - Fostering sustainable and inclusive economic development, reducing poverty and inequality By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to promoting economic growth, productivity, and decent work for all, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel contributes to "Reduced Inequalities" by: - Providing access to energy for marginalized and underserved communities, reducing energy poverty and inequality - Promoting equal access to energy opportunities, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status - Empowering women and girls through access to energy, reducing gender disparities - Supporting inclusive and equitable energy development, reducing energy disparities and discrimination - Fostering community development and social inclusion, reducing social and economic inequalities By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive and equitable development, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10.

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

Solar Stokvel contributes to "Sustainable Cities and Communities" by: - Promoting renewable energy solutions for urban and rural communities - Supporting sustainable urban development and energy-efficient infrastructure - Enhancing public health and safety through reliable energy access - Fostering community engagement and education on sustainable energy practices - Encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns, reducing waste and pollution By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities and communities, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.

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

Solar Stokvel contributes to "Responsible Consumption and Production" by: - Promoting sustainable energy solutions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels - Encouraging energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption - Supporting sustainable consumption patterns, reducing waste and pollution - Implementing environmentally-friendly business practices and supply chain management - Fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to responsible consumption and production patterns, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel contributes to "Climate Action" by: - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy solutions - Mitigating climate change impacts by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels By addressing energy access and promoting clean energy, we contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel's community approach is the foundation of its contributions to the SDGs. By empowering communities to take ownership of their energy needs, Solar Stokvel promotes: - Community-led development and decision-making - Collective ownership and shared benefits - Capacity building and skills transfer - Social cohesion and inclusivity - Local economic development and job creation Through this community approach, Solar Stokvel addresses various SDGs, including: - SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) - SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) - SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) - SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) - SDG 13 (Climate Action) - SDG 15 (Life on Land) - SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) The community approach is the core strength of Solar Stokvel, enabling sustainable development and SDG achievement through collective action and community empowerment.

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

5

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.

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Solar Stokvel for All' stands out by combining traditional community savings models with modern solar technology. While similar solar products exist, our approach leverages the stokvel/mukando collective savings system to make solar energy affordable for underserved communities. This innovative financing model addresses the high upfront costs of solar systems, a major barrier for many.Although not entirely new technology, it improves existing solar solutions by making them financially accessible through community-driven, flexible payment plans. This model extends the range of financial products for solar energy, tailored for private sector workers and those in the informal economy, often excluded from traditional financing options.Moreover, our service meets the unmet demand for affordable, clean energy in regions with inconsistent power and high energy costs. By integrating local customs and cooperative savings with renewable energy, we offer a new version of solar financing.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are traditional solar energy providers and financial institutions offering solar financing. Traditional providers require high upfront costs, making solar systems inaccessible to many underserved communities. Financial institutions typically reserve favorable terms for government workers and pensioners, excluding most in the private sector and informal economy.What sets 'Solar Stokvel for All' apart is our unique use of the stokvel/mukando collective savings model, allowing community members to afford solar systems through manageable monthly installments. This community-driven approach ensures inclusivity and financial accessibility for all. Our continuous engagement with end users and responsiveness to their feedback enables us to tailor our offerings to their specific needs. Our model not only provides clean energy but also fosters community cooperation and economic empowerment.

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