Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This project aims to produce clean fuel (charcoal briquettes) with high calorific value made from coconut husks. This project addresses social and environmental concerns such as health pollution, deforestation, waste management, carbon emissions, etc.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our Charcoal Briquettes Manufacturing Project is designed to lead a charge toward a sustainable and resilient future by harnessing the power of biomass. With commitment involving delivering innovative, eco-friendly solutions that convert biomass resources (i.e., coconut husk) into clean energy (charcoal briquettes). The project addresses environmental and social concerns such as deforestation, carbon emissions, climate change, unemployment, and waste management while providing a sustainable energy source for cooking and heating. The vision of this project is to provide clean energy solutions, setting new standards for biomass resource utilization, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The project not only promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction but also contributes to economic development and environmental conservation. This project is aligned with several SDGs and Ghana's Climate Actions that focus on promoting market-based clean cooking fuel.

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

The main problem that our charcoal briquettes project aims to solve is the environmental and socio-economic issues associated with traditional wood charcoal production and usage, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that benefits both people and the planet. The issues it addresses are; 1. Deforestation. 2. Waste Management. 3. Air Pollution and Health Pollution. 4. Access to clean cooking solutions in Ghana 5. Economic Development 6. Carbon Emissions 7. Climate Change

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The use of charcoal briquettes offers substantial environmental, economic, energy efficiency, health, social, and quality benefits, making them an attractive alternative to traditional wood charcoal and other conventional fuels. Key benefits include: 1. Reduced Deforestation: It is made from biomass waste, reducing tree cutting. 2. Waste Utilization: Uses agricultural and forestry residues, thereby reducing waste. 3. Lower Emissions: Produces less smoke and harmful emissions than wood charcoal. 4. Cost-Effective: Cheaper to produce and buy than wood charcoal. 5. Job Creation: Creates jobs in production, distribution, and sales. 6. High Energy Output: Provides efficient energy for cooking and heating. 7. Reduced Pollution: Less smoke and harmful emissions improve air quality. 8. Community Empowerment: Promotes local production and skill development. 9. Uniformity: Consistent sizes and shapes ensure uniform heating.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The target beneficiaries of our charcoal briquettes project are: 1. Urban and rural households that make use of charcoal for cooking and heating. 2. Restaurants and Street Vendors relying on charcoal for cooking. 3. Small-scale Industries needing consistent fuel for heating processes 4. Entrepreneurs interested in producing or selling briquettes 5. Government and Policy Makers supporting sustainable energy practices. 6. Local Community job seekers looking for employment in briquette production and sales.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-25

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Mr. Emmanuel Nyarko Ankamah. Mr. Ankamah is the head of the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development, an NGO of the PCG. He has over 15 years of experience in the development and entrepreneurship activities in various communities in Ghana. Mr. Ankah will be responsible for the overall supervision of this project in terms of finances, project implementation, and quality assurance. Mr. Ali Mohammed. Mr. Ali is a BA. Business Management graduate with over 4 years experience in business administration. He will be responsible for the Quality and Safety management of this project. Madam Debora Acquah Harrison. She holds an HND in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management with over two years of experience in records management, sales, and catering service. She will be responsible for inventory management. Madam Priscilla Oppong. She is a BA in Sociology graduate with over three years of experience in customer services. He will be responsible for administrative duties.

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

https://web.facebook.com/narjotey.emmanuel

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Charcoal Briquettes Manufacturing creates economic opportunities such as jobs and stimulates local economies, helping reduce poverty in rural and urban areas.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Agricultural waste utilization provides additional income for farmers by purchasing agricultural residues.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

It reduces air and health pollution: Briquettes produce less smoke and harmful emissions than traditional charcoal, improving air quality and reducing respiratory health issues.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By addressing economic, health, and environmental factors, our charcoal briquettes project creates a supportive environment for education, indirectly contributing to the achievement of quality education for all.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our project empowers women by creating job opportunities for women in production and sales, promoting economic independence and gender equality. Our current team of six has two women on board and more women will be engaged in the production, sales, and marketing of our charcoal briquettes.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our charcoal briquettes project helps maintain cleaner water sources and supports improved sanitation through: 1. Reduced Water Pollution: Reducing the need for wood charcoal, prevent deforestation. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining healthy watersheds and preventing soil erosion, which can lead to water pollution. 2. Utilization of Agricultural Waste: Using agricultural waste for briquettes reduces the need to dispose of this waste in ways that might pollute water sources, such as burning or dumping in water bodies or drainage systems.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Charcoal briquettes offer a sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal and fossil fuels. They are reliable, renewable, and clean energy sources.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Charcoal briquette production generates employment in various stages of the production and distribution process, fostering economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The best way to utilize biomass resources effectively and efficiently is to develop new technologies and practices in waste utilization and sustainable energy production. To be able to convert these biomass resources such as coconut husks, cocoa pod husks, sawdust, and forest residues among others into clean energy for cooking and heating, requires the adoption of technology, innovation, and sustainable industry practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our charcoal briquettes project aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, both within and between countries, in the following ways: 1. The project creates jobs in production, distribution, and sales, particularly in disadvantaged and rural areas, helping to reduce economic disparities within countries. 2. Reduces indoor air pollution, leading to improved health outcomes for low-income families who are often more exposed to harmful smoke from traditional fuels. 3. By reducing deforestation and carbon emissions, the project contributes to global climate goals, benefiting countries and communities that are most vulnerable to climate change. 4. Charcoal briquette production provides education and training in sustainable practices and renewable energy, equipping marginalized groups with valuable skills and knowledge.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Waste Management in charcoal briquette promotes the use of biomass waste, reducing urban and rural waste and enhancing sustainability.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Through efficient resource use, our charcoal briquette production utilizes agricultural and forestry waste, promoting responsible production and reducing resource depletion. The sales of clean and eco-friendly products result in responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Charcoal briquettes have a low carbon footprint. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing a cleaner alternative to traditional charcoal and preventing deforestation.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our charcoal briquettes project aligns with SDG 14: Life Below Water by promoting sustainable land use, reducing pollution, and raising environmental awareness, to support the conservation of marine ecosystems. Key areas: 1. Our project promotes Forest Conservation: By reducing the demand for wood charcoal, the project helps prevent deforestation. Healthy forests reduce soil erosion and runoff, which can carry pollutants and sediments into rivers and oceans, harming marine life. 2. The briquette production process typically generates less waste and pollutants compared to traditional charcoal production. This means fewer pollutants entering waterways and ultimately the oceans. 3. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the project helps mitigate climate change, which in turn reduces ocean acidification and other harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Promoting Forest Conservation: Charcoal briquette production reduces the demand for wood charcoal, helping to protect forests and biodiversity.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

By fostering economic stability, environmental justice, good governance, and community involvement, our charcoal briquettes project supports the development of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, aligning with the objectives of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Here is how we contribute: 1. Our project provides employment opportunities, reducing poverty and economic inequality, which can contribute to social stability and peace. 2. Sustainable Practices reduce environmental degradation and promote the sustainable use of resources, ensuring that future generations have access to the natural resources they need, which is fundamental to social justice. 3. Our project adheres to good government by complying with regulatory Compliance: We operate within the legal framework, ensuring that production processes are transparent and comply with environmental regulations.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Charcoal briquette project encourages partnerships between governments, NGOs, local communities, and businesses to promote sustainable energy solutions. Because of our project, we are now partnering with your organization, TotalEnergies to win a prize for project development. We also have a partnership with PCG, NGO office for project supervision and guidance. Our project also aligns with Ghana's National Determined Contributions, thereby collaborating with government agencies on Ghana's Climate Action.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

1. Yes. There are more than 1 million households in the urban areas of Ghana that use wood charcoal which is similar to charcoal briquettes. 2. Our product, though an innovative form of traditional charcoal, is not entirely different, particularly comparing it to what it is used for (cooking and heating) and the appliances it uses (cooking stove). 3. Yes. Our briquettes are produced using new technology as compared to the traditional way of producing wood charcoal. 4. Yes. Existing wood charcoal poses significant health and environmental issues. Charcoal briquettes turn out to be an improved and sustainable form of wood charcoal as it is produced sustainably and produces less smoke during combustion. 5. Briquette production can be seen as an extension of wood charcoal production that is done in a sustainable manner and from biomass sources instead of wood. 6. Briquettes meet the need for eco-friendly and clean energy for households, industries, and nations.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Potential Competitors: 1. Traditional Charcoal Producers 2. Other Briquette Producers 3. Alternative Fuel Providers. (e.g., LPG, natural gas) What makes us stand out: 1. Stainability (we use agricultural waste, reduce deforestation, and adopt sustainable practices) 2. Quality and Efficiency (We produce consistent, cleaner burning briquettes, produced with advanced production methods). 3. Community Impact (Employs locals, boosts the local economy, transparent communication, trust-building). 4. Affordability and Accessibility (Cost-effective and wide Distribution. Will ensure availability in urban and rural areas). 5. Health Benefits (Our product is smokeless and reduces health concerns associated with traditional fuels). 6. Social Development (Sources materials locally, reinvests profits, and opportunities for women and youth). 7. Brand and Values (We focus on social and environmental responsibility, education on briquette benefits, and building loyalty).

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

No