Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Gastro is a Tanzanian based start up that promotes access to clean cooking energy through our supply of bioethanol cookstoves and ethanol fuel. Ethanol fuel is a renewable energy that when used for cooking releases fewer emissions compared to charcoal.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Gastro was founded in June of 2023, after a personal tragedy struck the founder when his aunt died from lung cancer. She had never been a smoker but succumbed to the effects of using firewood and charcoal daily. This motivated the founder to start this company in order to find sustainable solutions to the energy poverty problem in Tanzania. Gastro's main aim is to use ethanol as an alternative clean energy solution. Ethanol is sourced from plant materials such as corn and when used for cooking produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fuels making it the perfect energy solutions. Gastro targets energy poverty by replacing firewood and charcoal with ethanol fuel. 1 kg of ethanol displaces 2-3 kg of charcoal, cutting carbon emissions significantly. Since 1 kg of charcoal releases over 3 kgs of carbon emissions, Gastro's approach reduces emissions and promotes sustainable energy practices, benefiting low-income households in Tanzania.

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

We are trying to address the problem of lack of access to clean cooking energy in Tanzania. Almost 90% of Tanzanians still rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking on a daily basis, mostly because they cannot afford the existing clean cooking energy in electricity and firewood. The reliance on these traditional fuels have an effect on our health as they emit harmful substances that cause respiratory diseases that kill more than 33,000 Tanzanians annually. Similarly, reliance on these polluting fuels leads to carbon emissions that cause an increase in GHG causing climate change. In rural areas women have to walk long hours in the forest in search of firewood putting them at risk of gender based violence as well as physical injuries. The lack of access to clean cooking energy disproportionately affects women who have to spend many hours doing unpaid work such as collection of firewood causing income inequality in women.

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

Switching to ethanol for cooking in Tanzania offers several benefits: 1. Environmental Sustainability: Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from plants, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources like firewood and charcoal, thus mitigating deforestation and environmental degradation. 2. Reduced Carbon Emissions: Ethanol burns cleaner than charcoal, emitting fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to improved air quality and combating climate change. 3. Healthier Indoor Air: Traditional cooking methods with firewood and charcoal produce harmful smoke and pollutants, leading to respiratory illnesses. Ethanol stoves produce less indoor air pollution, promoting better health outcomes, especially for women and children. 4. Time and Labor Savings: Collecting firewood can be time-consuming and physically demanding, particularly for women and children. Ethanol requires less time and effort for acquisition and preparation, freeing up time for other economic activities.

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

Gastro primarily targets low-income individuals unable to afford clean cooking energy like electricity and LPG. Their customer base seeks affordable alternatives. Domestically produced ethanol offers a cost-effective solution. With low production costs per liter, it enables Gastro to offer a pay-as-you-go system. Customers can purchase small quantities, like half a liter, for as little as TZS 1500. This affordability caters directly to the financial constraints of low-income households, making clean cooking with ethanol accessible to those previously excluded from cleaner energy options.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-24

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

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

The decision to include two female founders, namely your mother and sister, alongside the main founder, Ibra Ismail, underscores a commitment to integrating a women's perspective into leadership at Gastro. Recognizing that the impacts of clean cooking disproportionately affect women, their involvement ensures that Gastro's solutions are sensitively designed to address these challenges. By having women in leadership roles, Gastro can better understand and respond to the specific needs and experiences of women in Tanzania. This inclusive approach reflects a deep understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives in creating effective and equitable solutions for the community.

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

https://www.gastroenergy.co.tz/

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our start up aims to grow the clean cooking sector through ethanol fuel. the growth of the ethanol value chain in Tanzania not only provides immediate economic benefits but also contributes to sustainable development by addressing poverty and promoting access to clean energy. This aligns with SDG 1's objective of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

Gastro, promotes SDG 3 by providing access to clean cooking energy. We sell bioethanol cookstoves and ethanol fuel, reducing indoor air pollution, respiratory diseases, and premature deaths linked to traditional cooking methods. By improving health outcomes, Gastro contributes to SDG 3's goal of ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Gastro, advances SDG 4 by facilitating access to clean cooking energy. Through bioethanol cookstoves and ethanol fuel sales, it enhances education opportunities. Clean energy means less time spent gathering fuel, allowing children, especially girls, more time for schooling. Additionally, reduced indoor pollution from traditional cooking methods improves health, enhancing students' ability to attend and focus on their studies. Gastro's initiative aligns with SDG 4's aim of ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Gastro, advances SDG 5 by promoting clean cooking energy access. We sell bioethanol cookstoves and fuel, empowering women with safer and more efficient cooking options. This reduces time spent on fuel gathering, enabling women to pursue education and work. By addressing gender disparities in energy access, Gastro contributes to SDG 5's aim of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

Gastro, promotes clean cooking energy by selling bioethanol cookstoves and ethanol fuel, contributing to SDG7. These initiatives reduce reliance on traditional fuels, curbing indoor air pollution and deforestation. By providing affordable, sustainable alternatives, Gastro improves energy access, particularly for low-income households, aligning with SDG7's goal of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.

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

Gastro, advances SDG 8 by promoting access to clean cooking energy. Selling bioethanol cookstoves and fuel, it creates jobs in manufacturing, distribution, and sales, contributing to economic growth. By enhancing energy efficiency and reducing indoor air pollution, Gastro improves health and productivity, aligning with SDG 8's goal of promoting inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Gastro, advances SDG 9 by facilitating access to clean cooking energy via bioethanol cookstoves and fuel. By leveraging local resources and technology, it fosters innovation in sustainable energy production and distribution, thus promoting industry, innovation, and infrastructure development. This initiative not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability, aligning with SDG 9's goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Gastro, advances SDG 10 by promoting access to clean cooking energy. Through selling bioethanol cookstoves and ethanol fuel, it addresses inequalities by ensuring rural communities can affordably access clean energy. By reducing reliance on traditional cooking fuels, Gastro contributes to social inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities and representation, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and equitable society in line with SDG 10's vision of reducing inequalities within and among countries.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Gastro advances clean cooking energy access via bioethanol cookstoves and fuel sales, contributing to SDG 11. By offering sustainable alternatives, it mitigates indoor air pollution and fosters healthier, safer living environments. This initiative aligns with SDG 11's goal of ensuring sustainable cities and communities, enhancing quality of life for Tanzanians while addressing environmental and health challenges.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

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

Gastro facilitates access to clean cooking energy via bioethanol cookstoves and fuel sales, promoting SDG 13 (Climate Action). These alternatives reduce reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, curbing deforestation and carbon emissions. By mitigating climate change impacts, Gastro contributes to a sustainable future while improving livelihoods through cleaner cooking solutions.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Gastro facilitates clean cooking energy access by selling bioethanol cookstoves and fuel. This initiative aligns with SDG 15, focusing on biodiversity and ecosystems. By reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, Gastro mitigates deforestation, preserving ecosystems vital for biodiversity. Moreover, bioethanol is renewable, minimizing environmental degradation. Thus, Gastro's approach not only addresses energy poverty but also contributes to sustainable land use, supporting SDG 15's goals.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

5

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

6

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

5

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

3

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

5

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our cookstoves introduce a new concept and design, merging efficiency with eco-friendliness. Unlike traditional biomass stoves, our bioethanol cookstoves significantly reduce harmful emissions, improving indoor air quality and health. This innovation could inspire others to enter the market, driving competition and advancements in clean cooking technologies. Our use of ethanol, a clean alternative energy source, is transforming the energy landscape in Tanzania. By promoting ethanol, we are not only providing a sustainable cooking solution but also encouraging the exploration of other renewable energy sources. This shift is fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation, prompting startups and established companies alike to seek out and develop alternative energy solutions. Gastro's pioneering efforts are thus not only benefitting the clean cooking sector but also propelling broader environmental and economic sustainability initiatives in the region.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitor is Moto Safi, but our competitive edge is our price point. We offer the cheapest ethanol stoves, ideal for our low-income Tanzanian market that currently uses charcoal and firewood. Recognizing that price is crucial to displacing these polluting fuels, we've minimized our profit margins to make clean cooking accessible. This ensures our stoves are affordable, aiding our mission to convert users to ethanol and improve health and environmental impact. By prioritizing affordability, we foster adoption and set an industry standard, demonstrating that sustainable solutions can be accessible to everyone, driving a broader shift towards clean energy in Tanzania.

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

Yes, I have created a network of 6 agents throughout the country so far, 5 of which are women. We are committed to extending opportunities to women entrepreneurs to earn money through our business, primarily because women have been the most affected by the effects of the lack of access to clean cooking energy. Similarly our company has a policy, to employ women at a ratio of 6 women and 4 men going forward.