Cameroon - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Kumba Green City Project is a commercial development project developed by SENENERGIES to supply more than 100 families in Kumba and around Cameroon with renewable energy products and solutions that improves safety, quality and productivity to people.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

SENENERGIES is a family-owned indigenous energy company driven by the culture of leadership, excellence and innovation to tackle residential and commercial energy-based challenges by delivering sustainable products and solutions that improves safety, quality and productivity to businesses and homes. Our mission is to provide sustainable and reliable solar energy solutions to meet Cameroon's growing global demand power and renewable energy resources, while minimizing our environmental and carbon impact. We aim to leverage our knowledge in the traditional energy sector and capitalize on the rapidly expanding renewable energy market in Cameroon by providing solar energy solutions to homes, businesses, recycling of organic waste in to biofuels (biogas) and supply of quality products for clean cooking such as liquefied petroleum composite gas cylinders to eliminate the use of traditional steel cylinders which are very corrosive, toxic and explosively dangerous to homes.

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

The vision of SENENERGIES is to be Cameroon’s most convenient, customer centric, first of its kind energy service company. The company aims to solve two major problems identified in Cameroon. 1. Inadequate power supply for homes and businesses. Our unique proposition is that we are selling solar efficient and renewable energy storage solutions to customers at affordable prices to reduce the cost of money spent on fuels during power outages with the rapid increase in fuel prices and carbon pollution. Our solar services includes products supplies, installation maintenance and solar cleaning monthly subscription. 2. Our keen focus in the oil and gas sector is the supply of LPG composite cylinders to replace traditional steel cylinders. In Cameroon, Steel cooking cylinders have caused serious accidents and health concerns. Our goal is to introduce a cooking gas cylinder which is light weight, eco friendly and non corrosive to the environment. Where users can monitor consumption levels.

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

1. With solar efficient and home energy storage systems, families can reduce dependence on the national power grid by powering their homes and increasing productivity to businesses the most. 2. Another advantage of our services is that as we continue to scale in Cameroon, there will be more training opportunities for young engineers to learn solar installations and maintenance for residential and commercial projects. 3. With the availability of our composite cylinders we aim to introduce in to the Cameroonian market a product which durable, safe and eco friendly compared to steel cylinders. 4. Our digital and logistics solutions will provide a seamless experience for our customers to order from us without any hassle and complications in Cameroon.

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

Our target audience or beneficiaries for these products and services offered are families and businesses in Cameroon currently affected by the poor supply and looking to upgrade for generators to clean energy solutions as an alternative power source. We also aim to serve families transition from steel gas cylinders to our composite based cylinders. The target market number will vary with every family being different. We will work to hit this larger target audience by marketing through social media and other forms of advertisement.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-08-01

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?

0

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

1. Dr. Enoh Joseph Tambong is a seasoned medical professional and investor based in Kumba with over 30+ years of management and business leadership experience. Dr. Enoh is currently the founder and managing director of JET MEDICAL LABORATORY in Kumba, Cameroon. He’s skilled for advocating and helping families become updated on our services and products. 2. Dr. Richard Enow Agbor is the CEO premium Agric products LLC, the president of Achievers Health Care and business development manager of AgborEnow Homes LLC. With over 20+ experience in finance, marketing, operations, governance expertise, driven innovation, efficiency and excellence. Mr. Richard is a holder of the Program Leadership Development Executive MBA from Harvard University and Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

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

https://linktr.ee/senenergies

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

It’s our belief that with the rapid adoption of solar technology in homes and businesses, productivity will generally increase as well as work from home jobs. Young people can easily transition to digital jobs as the problem of power outages has been solved. Also with the adoption of solar in Cameroon, the cost of maintaining the grid will not be inflated.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our business model with the LPG composite cylinders highly promotes clean cooking initiatives because we’re trying to replace steel gas cylinders with an innovative and sustainable gas cylinder solution which doesn’t corrode, inflammable and explosion resistant. With LPG composite cylinders, families can’t worry about home explosions and users can monitor their gas levels as the cylinder is transparent and visible. This does not solve only the zero hunger goal within communities but helps to reduce risks of accidents and it increases safety amongst communities.

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

SENENERGIES plays a vital role in ensuring healthy living and promoting well being for people in the following ways; 1. Access to Clean and Reliable Energy; By providing solar energy solutions, our startup can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, thus we will be decreasing air pollution and associated health risks. Also reliable electricity improves the quality of life through access to essential services like healthcare, digital education and safe drinking water. 2. Reduction of Indoor Air Pollution; By promoting the use of composite cylinders instead of steel, we aim to help reduce the use of traditional biomass(wood & Coal). 3. Safety and Innovation; Composite cylinders are safer to steel cylinders as they are lighter, corrosion-resistant and have a lower risk of explosion, increases safety in homes & workplaces. 4. Environmental Protection; By investing in renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices reduces environmental degradation in the country.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

SENENERGIES contributes extensively to quality education in the following ways; 1. Community Engagement and Education; As our projects continue to scale, our startup is likely to engage in community education programs about the benefits of clean energy and safe energy practices. Educating our local communities about health benefits of clean energy solutions encourages widespread adoption which also leads to improved public health outcomes. 2. Local Employment and Economic Development; with rapid adoption comes local employment opportunities around Cameroon and fosters economic development within the country. Which also increases quality education and standards of living.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

SENENERGIES as a growing company can contribute significantly to achieving gender equality and empowering women in the following ways; 1. Through Employment and Leadership Opportunities within the organization, creating programs aimed at developing women leaders within the company, including mentorship, training and career advancement opportunities. 2. Education and Training; through scholarships and internships opportunities to women and girls in STEM fields to encourage their participation in the energy sector. 3. Supply Chain and Procurement; by prioritizing procurement from women owned businesses and encouraging buyers to adopt gender equality practices.

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

With the adoption of solar energy solutions in the future, SENENERGIES can help leverage its expertise and resources in renewable energy to contribute to this goal through; 1. Solar-Powered Water Purification and Supply Systems, making clean water accessible to remote and off grid communities in Cameroon. This reduces reliance on diesel generators, lowering Carbon emissions and operational costs. 2. Energy-Efficient Wastewater Treatment; recycling organic waste to biogas and biofuels is a long term project for SENENERGIES in Cameroon, to provide sustainable and accessible renewable resources to communities and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By integrating a biogas and biofuel plant in Cameroon, SENENERGIES is positioned to provide stability and reliability in 2035.

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

SENENERGIES is an energy company committed to diversification of clean, affordable and sustainable energy sources through a multifaceted approach; 1. Solar & Electricity • by increasing the adoption of solar panels in urban and rural areas in Cameroon, especially where power and grid access is limited. • Develop micro grid systems to supply electricity to remote communities in Cameroon to ensure reliable power where the national grid extension is not feasible. • To implement advanced energy storage solutions to stabilize power supply and store excess. 2. Oil & Gas • To enhance the efficiency of oil and gas distribution schemes in Cameroon to reduce cost and improve reliability. • To promote the use of cleaner fuels and technologies to minimize environmental impact and air pollution. 3. Composite Cylinders • To advocate and promote the use of composite cylinders for gas storage as a safer and more efficient method for cooking and usage.

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

SENENERGIES promotes decent work ethic and economic growth through the following strategies; 1. Job Creation and Skill Development, we prioritize hiring local talent for our various projects within Cameroon and also training programs to equip our employees with necessary skills to work in the energy sector. 2. Inclusive business practices through community engagement with local communities for commercial solar projects. For example, our bid to improve the power situation in Kumba Cameroon requires community participation to ensure the vision is a success which promotes good work ethics. 3. Environmental Sustainability through waste to energy projects, our long term goals improving waste recycling to produce biofuels and biogas helps manage waste sustainably improving economic growth in Cameroon.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

The energy is large and rapidly growing massively, to cater for future energy resources, African founded companies needs to invest in robust energy systems. SENENERGIES is a one of a kind startup company looking to invest in a mix of renewable energy sources (solar, biogas) while leveraging traditional energy sources (oil, gas) to ensure a stable infrastructure and innovation. It’s our goal to introduce infrastructure development through construction of solar farms, micro grids and biogas plants to support the southern part of Cameroon and foster innovation. Lastly in building sustainable industrialization, SENENERGIES will actively adopt advanced technologies and digital solutions to solve challenges by implementing AI and machine learning technologies to optimize energy usage, as well as introduce smart meters to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By promoting interactive ideas and creating economic opportunities for growth will have a higher impact to reduce inequality. By empowering women owned businesses with the equipment and access to clean energy to stay productive in business. This also serves as an important incentive to promote targeted programs within our startup organization to train women in leadership positions that can foster growth with the startup. The aspect of collaboration with international organizations like NGOs in other countries can bring additional resources and expertise to facilitate large projects which won’t transform only Cameroon but Africa as a continent. This should be influencing policy for any startup to promote and advocate for inclusive growth and collaboration with the government and international organizations. Energy is

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

SENENERGIES contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting renewable energy adoption through solar energy solutions and off grid solar systems which improves sustainability to cities and communities in Cameroon. 2. We are also active supporters of clean cooking solutions through our remarkable light weight and safer composite gas cylinders to reduce indoor air pollution, to promote clean cooking initiatives and improving health outcomes, especially in low-income urban areas in Cameroon. 3. To also encourage human settlements we plan to develop financing models and payment plans that makes it easier for families, businesses and real estate companies to invest in our solar energy solutions and raise awareness through our train programs and public awareness campaigns.

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

In ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through a circular economy for a startup energy company like SENENERGIES which operates through difference mix of renewable energy solutions is our design for longevity and reusability to invest in quality solar panels and equipment for longer lifespan. Our composite cylinders in promotion are designed to be durable, reusable and recyclable at the end of their life span. we plan to implement take back schemes for old cylinders to ensure they are properly recycled. In our user app development platform will have tracking systems to monitor the lifecycle of our solar products from start of use to end of life.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

SENENERGIES is committed to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impact through the following strategic initiatives; 1. Transition to Renewable Energy; our business model clearly shows we are heavily involved in solar energy projects to reduce reliance on diesel and petrol generators in urban and rural areas in Cameroon. By promoting solar products, our startup company SENENERGIES is committed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide sustainable energy solutions in Cameroon. 2. Sustainable Oil & Gas Practices; we are currently adopting the best practices to minimize environmental impact while ensuring seamless delivery and logistics supplies of oil and gas. 3. Innovative Composite Cylinders; Our introduction and logistics distribution of lightweight durable composite cylinders for gas storage will not only improve safety and efficiency but also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and usage.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

1. By focusing on solar energy, SENENERGIES reduces its dependency on fossil fuels thereby decreasing the potential for offshore drilling and associated environmental risk to marine environment. Our startup's emphasis on solar generated power mitigates carbon emissions and lowers environmental footprint.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

With the help of our future training programs we will be able to educate communities about sustainable land management practices for progressive agriculture, water conservation and renewable energy uses. Our solar panel installation are designed with minimal disruption to land and local ecosystems but priorities the use of existing infrastructure and rooftops so to avoid land change and deforestation. Before construction of any SENENERGIES oil and gas project must require environmental impact assessments to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects on terrestrial ecosystems.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

In search to promote peaceful, justice and strong institutions, SENENERGIES activities aligns itself perfectly with these goals by promoting renewable energy access helps reduce energy poverty. Access to clean energy can improve the quality of life, economic opportunities and improved education outcomes for communities. Community engagements for organisations within Cameroon such as Society of Petroleum Engineers Douala Section can advocate the benefits of solar development projects through public campaign awareness strategy which fosters engagement, a sense of ownership and peace. SENENERGIES also fosters strong institution through economic development, as there will be creation of new jobs to encourage female leadership and support to local businesses.

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

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): SENENERGIES’ commitment to solar energy directly supports the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): By investing in innovative energy solutions and infrastructure, SENENERGIES enhances sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation in Africa. SDG 13 (Climate Action): The company’s focus on renewable energy and efficient use of resources contributes to mitigating climate change and its impacts. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Through our collaborative approaches, SENENERGIES is positioned for global partnerships, which is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals in Cameroon.

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

The Kumba Green City Project developed by SENENERGIES is unique and innovative for its comprehensive approach towards integrating clean energy solutions that will cater to specific needs of the community while improving safety, quality of life and productivity. SENENERGIES is at the forefront of clean energy integration in Kumba, By creating a commercial solar farm of solar panels, inverters, batteries, and from composite cylinders sales, Our brand can charge subsequent fees to ensures a consistent supply of clean energy power to homes and businesses that subscribe. We aim to promote a system which satisfy our customers from product quality to logistics and delivery. Our brand's emphasis is on safety and clean energy to reduce health risk from indoor pollution and dependence on fuel generators. Additionally, with our promotion of composite cylinders for gas storage and distribution shows are commitment to safety and innovation in Cameroon.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitors are existing or startup companies in Cameroon who share our passion and vision for clean and affordable energy. some key competitor are; 1. ENEO Cameroon, as the main electricity provider in Cameroon they have a significant market presence. However their focus is predominantly on conventional electricity supply rather than integrated solar enrgy solutions. 2. Renewable energy startup, Various local startup also emerging into the renewable energy markets. SENENERGIES is differentiates itself by offering a diverse range of solutions from solar energy supply & storage, composite gas cylinder storage to logistics and waste recycling. We aim to meet the varied needs of multiple customers while scaling and strengthen our brand to the next level through global partnerships with an energy giant like TotalEnergies, whose operations in both conventional and renewable energy sectors in Cameroon greatly continues to influence the growth of our startup company.

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

Yes, one of our key planned actions in promoting female entrepreneur is collaborating with female food influencers and business owners in Cameroon on our composite gas cylinders sale. Our bid to increase sales is by creating limited designs with our manufacturer tailored to each food influencer or vendor and offering them 30% of new sales to showcase our products. Another one of future actions towards promoting female entrepreneurs is by encouraging female applications to leadership roles within our startup organisation like brand managers and senior executive roles. Lastly, we also plan to collaborate with female owned businesses to upgrade with solar energy and storage solutions to increase productivity and offering a payment plan system.