Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Mufasa empowers rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe by eliminating middlemen, centralizing logistics, providing a social security fund, and leveraging technology to ensure higher returns, financial stability, and sustainable growth.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Mufasa empowers rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe by addressing systemic exploitation and financial instability. We eliminate middlemen through structured collective bargaining, centralizing logistics, procurement and marketing to ensure higher returns. Our innovative approach includes establishing a social security fund with partial farmer ownership in Mufasa, providing financial stability and resilience. We focus on high-demand crops, offer warehousing and storage solutions, and facilitate access to export markets. Leveraging technology, we enhance efficiency, access to capital, and inclusive low-cost payment systems. Mufasa's comprehensive model boosts farmer incomes, promotes sustainability, and drives long-term growth, fostering equitable development for rural communities.

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

Mufasa is tackling the exploitation of rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, who are trapped in poverty due to high farming costs, low revenues, and inefficient methods exposing them to exploitative brokers, transporters and other middlemen. The root cause is the systemic challenges inherent in rural agriculture, where individual bargaining weakens farmers' positions, leading to further exploitation and lack of economies of scale. The effects are devastating: farmers remain impoverished, lack social security, and cannot invest in better practices. Mufasa addresses these problems by centralizing logistics, marketing, procurement, and financial services, ensuring fair returns, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable, equitable growth.

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

Mufasa provides major benefits to rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe by eliminating exploitative middlemen and ensuring higher revenues and profits. Our approach significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency, empowering farmers with better market access and bargaining power. Mufasa also establishes a social security fund with partial farmer ownership, offering financial stability and resilience. By integrating technology, we enhance productivity and facilitate data-driven credit assessments, unlocking access to capital. Additionally, we support warehousing, storage, and export market access, fostering sustainable growth and long-term prosperity for farming communities.

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

Mufasa’s products and services are aimed at serving rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, specifically those who are most vulnerable to exploitation by brokers and middlemen. The targeted beneficiaries include predominantly women and young farmers who contribute significantly to national agricultural produce but struggle with high farming costs, low revenues, and lack of social security. By focusing on these farmers, Mufasa seeks to empower marginalized communities, providing them with better market access, financial stability, and the tools needed for sustainable growth and improved livelihoods. Our goal is to uplift these farmers, ensuring equitable development and long-term prosperity.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-03-08

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

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.)

Our team has extensive experience in various business fields and strong local market knowledge of agriculture in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. This insight is crucial for tailoring solutions that effectively address the needs of rural smallholder farmers. Mark has a proven track record in managing complex projects and expertise in finance, risk management and capital raising. Milton is astute in Marketing and Business Development with skills in market analysis, branding, and strategy development. Terance is an expert in developing and managing infrastructure and logistics operations. Tambirai has over 4 years as an agricultural commodity broker trading groundnuts and small grains. As a young, dynamic team, we share a burning passion for empowering rural smallholder farmers. Additional key team members have agreed to lower than market rates remuneration in return for a stake in the project. This will reduce implementation costs and align interests with those of rural farmers.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mubvumba-77204159

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Mufasa contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by empowering rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, who are often trapped in extreme poverty due to exploitative practices by brokers and middlemen. Majority of these farmers earn, on average, less than US$2/day. By centralizing logistics, marketing, and financial services, Mufasa ensures fair returns and significantly reduces farming costs. Our social security fund provides financial stability, while access to capital through data-driven credit assessments allows farmers to invest in their businesses. This holistic approach increases farmer incomes, promotes sustainable growth, and breaks the cycle of poverty, directly addressing the root causes of extreme poverty in rural farming communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 2 by increasing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. By centralizing logistics and marketing, we eliminate middlemen, ensuring higher returns for farmers and enabling them to invest in quality inputs and sustainable farming practices. Our social security fund provides financial stability, allowing farmers to focus on improving productivity. Additionally, we provide training in modern, efficient agricultural techniques, increasing crop yields and resilience to climate change. By empowering rural smallholder farmers, Mufasa enhances food production and availability, contributing to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition.

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

6

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

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 3 by enhancing the health and well-being of rural smallholder farmers through improved economic stability and access to social security. By eliminating exploitative middlemen, Mufasa increases farmers' incomes, enabling them to afford better healthcare and nutritious food. We also establish a social security fund, providing financial safety nets for medical emergencies. Additionally, our training programs include health and wellness education, promoting safe farming practices and hygiene. By fostering economic resilience and prioritizing health education, Mufasa ensures that rural farming communities can thrive with better health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Mufasa promotes quality education and training for rural smallholder farmers and their families. We provide comprehensive agricultural education programs that include modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and financial literacy, empowering farmers to improve their productivity and livelihoods. Additionally, Mufasa collaborates with local educational institutions to offer scholarships and support for children of smallholder farmers, ensuring they have access to quality education. We also conduct workshops and training sessions that focus on practical skills, business management, and leadership development, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled farming community. By prioritizing education and continuous learning, Mufasa not only enhances the capabilities of individual farmers but also contributes to the long-term development and sustainability of rural communities. Our commitment to education helps break the cycle of poverty, opening up new

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 5 by actively promoting gender equality and empowering women in rural communities. Recognizing that women constitute a significant portion of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, Mufasa ensures equal access to resources, training, and opportunities for both women and men. Our programs are designed to support female farmers by providing them with leadership training, financial literacy, and access to markets. Mufasa also implements policies that encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes within farming cooperatives and the broader agricultural value chain. Additionally, Mufasa's social security fund includes specific provisions for women, offering financial stability and support for female farmers. By creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive, Mufasa not only addresses gender disparities but also enhances the overall productivity and sustainability of rural agriculture. Through these targeted initiatives, Mufasa fosters

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 6 by promoting sustainable water management practices among rural smallholder farmers. We provide training on efficient irrigation techniques and water conservation methods, reducing water wastage and ensuring that clean water is available for agricultural and domestic use. By centralizing logistics and supporting infrastructure development, we facilitate access to improved sanitation facilities for farmers. Our holistic approach also includes partnerships with organizations focused on water and sanitation, ensuring that our farmers have the resources needed for clean water and hygienic living conditions.

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

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 7 by promoting access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for rural smallholder farmers. We facilitate the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and off-grid solar solutions for farm operations and household use. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies and partnering with renewable energy providers, we help reduce dependency on traditional, non-renewable energy sources. This approach not only lowers energy costs for farmers but also supports environmental sustainability and resilience against energy price volatility.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 8 by fostering sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth for rural smallholder farmers. We eliminate exploitative middlemen, ensuring higher returns and financial stability for farmers. By centralizing logistics, marketing, and financial services, we create efficient and fair agricultural value chains. Additionally, our social security fund and data-driven credit assessments provide financial resilience and access to capital. This comprehensive approach generates decent work opportunities, enhances productivity, and promotes sustainable economic development in rural communities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 9 by promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and building resilient infrastructure for rural smallholder farmers. We centralize transport and logistics to streamline operations and reduce costs, enabling better market access. By leveraging technology for efficient data-driven credit assessments and inclusive payment systems, we enhance financial inclusion. Our support for sustainable agricultural practices and development of warehousing and storage facilities further strengthens infrastructure, driving economic growth and innovation in rural communities.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 10 by reducing inequalities for rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. We empower these farmers by centralizing logistics and marketing, eliminating exploitative middlemen, and ensuring higher returns. Our social security fund provides financial stability, fostering economic resilience. Through data-driven credit assessments and inclusive payment systems, we promote financial inclusion. Mufasa's focus on gender equality and youth empowerment ensures marginalized groups have equitable access to resources and opportunities, driving inclusive and sustainable growth in rural communities.

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

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 11 by fostering sustainable and resilient rural communities. Our initiatives improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, reducing rural-urban migration pressures. By providing centralized logistics, marketing, and social security, we ensure higher and more stable incomes for farmers, enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, we promote sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of rural settlements. This holistic approach ensures that rural areas develop in an inclusive, safe, and sustainable manner.

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

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 15 by promoting sustainable agriculture and land use practices that protect, restore, and enhance terrestrial ecosystems. By providing rural smallholder farmers with training in eco-friendly farming techniques, we help reduce land degradation and encourage biodiversity conservation. Our model emphasizes the importance of crop rotation, organic farming, and the use of sustainable inputs, which helps maintain soil health and reduce chemical runoff. Mufasa also supports agroforestry initiatives that integrate tree planting with crop and livestock farming, contributing to reforestation and habitat restoration. Through our commitment to environmental stewardship, Mufasa ensures that agricultural practices not only improve farmer incomes but also contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the environment. This integrated approach helps protect natural resources, supports ecosystem services, and promotes a sustainable future for rural communities

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

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 16 by promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through transparent and equitable practices in the agricultural sector. By eliminating exploitative middlemen, we ensure fair pricing and higher returns for rural smallholder farmers, fostering economic justice and reducing inequalities. Our model includes a social security fund with partial ownership by farmers, which enhances financial stability and empowers them with a sense of ownership and agency. Mufasa also prioritizes ethical business practices, accountability, and community engagement, which builds trust and strengthens local institutions. By fostering a transparent and inclusive environment, Mufasa supports the creation of peaceful and just communities, contributing to the overall stability and development of rural areas.

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

Mufasa directly contributes to SDG 17 by fostering strong partnerships across the agricultural value chain. We collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, government agencies, research institutions, financial entities, and technology providers. By centralizing logistics, marketing, and financial services, we eliminate exploitative middlemen, ensuring higher returns for farmers. Mufasa's inclusive approach involves regular engagement with community members and stakeholders, integrating their feedback into our operations. This collaborative model promotes shared goals and mutual benefits, driving sustainable development. Additionally, our social security fund, partially owned by farmers, provides financial stability and empowers rural communities, further aligning with the principles of SDG 17.

06.01 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

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

6

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

5

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.

5

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

6

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Mufasa's idea is unique and innovative because it adopts a holistic, farmer-centric approach to empower rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Unlike traditional models, Mufasa centralizes logistics, marketing, and financial services, eliminating exploitative middlemen and ensuring higher returns. Our integrated social security fund provides financial stability and resilience, a rare feature in the agricultural sector. Leveraging technology, Mufasa enhances efficiency, facilitates data-driven credit assessments, and promotes inclusive, low-cost payment systems. This comprehensive model not only boosts farmer incomes but also ensures long-term sustainability, resilience, and equitable growth.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are traditional middlemen and brokers who dominate the agricultural value chain in Zimbabwe. They often exploit smallholder farmers by offering low prices and unreliable market access. Additionally, other agritech startups and organizations providing agricultural services pose competition. However, we differentiate ourselves by centralising logistics and marketing, establishing a social security fund, and leveraging technology for efficiency and financial inclusion, offering a holistic solution that directly benefits farmers. Our competitive advantage lie in our scalable and equitable approach to empowering smallholder farmers while prioritising their interests. This comprehensive model boosts farmer incomes, ensures long-term sustainability, and drives equitable growth.

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

I actively promote female entrepreneurship within my community. I prioritize the inclusion of women in our farming initiatives, provide targeted training and resources to enhance their skills, and ensure they have access to fair markets and financial services. By fostering an inclusive environment and advocating for gender equality, we empower women to become successful entrepreneurs, contributing to community development and economic growth.