Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

LIMA AFRICA: A Tanzanian agritech startup, that transforms agricultural and organic waste into an organic fertilizer. Addresses waste management issues , cut farm costs, boosts soil nutrients, and enhances smallholder farmers' profitability.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

In low-income countries, organic waste makes up 40-65% of total waste, with Tanzania's organic waste constituting 50-65%. Dar es Salaam generates over 5 tons of waste daily, with 75% being household organic waste that ends up in landfills, producing harmful methane. Our initiative tackles organic waste management and fertilizer affordability. Fertilizers account for 60-70% of agricultural production costs, making it hard for small-scale farmers to profit, causing 9% to go out of business and reducing production from 36% to 29%, risking food security for 60% of Tanzanians. We offer organic fertilizer that is 30% cheaper, 100% more nutritious, and sustainable, benefiting over 75% of Tanzanian farmers. Our solution reduces production costs by 30%, enhancing profitability, animal nutrition, productivity, and farmer livelihoods.

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

We are addressing two critical issues: organic waste management and fertilizer affordability. Tanzania produces 12-17 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with only 50% collected, leading to environmental pollution and methane emissions. Fertilizer costs account for over 60-70% of agricultural expenses, and Tanzania imports 70% of its fertilizer, making it expensive and degrading soil quality over time. This drives 9% of smallholder farmers out of business, reducing agricultural production and risking food security for over 60% of Tanzanians. We offer affordable organic fertilizer from bioconverted solid waste, which is 30% cheaper, 100% more nutritious, and sustainable compared to conventional fertilizers. This benefits over 75% of Tanzanians employed in agriculture. By converting food waste into beneficial products, we promote sustainable waste management practices that benefit the environment and society.

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

Our organic fertilizer offers several major benefits: 1. Soil Health and Crop Productivity : Produced from municipal solid waste using innovative rapid bio-conversion processes, our soil-friendly and affordable organic fertilizer significantly improves soil health and boosts crop productivity. 2. Environmental Sustainability: By utilizing municipal solid waste, our fertilizer promotes sustainable agriculture, reduces pollution, and enhances environmental cleanliness. 3. Economic Empowerment: Our initiative supports rural communities by reducing the high costs associated with inorganic fertilizers, contributing to the agricultural sector, improving food security, and fostering overall economic empowerment in Tanzania.

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

We serve smallholder farmers in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, comprising over 70% of Tanzania's population. These farmers, involved in poultry, fish, pig farming, and crop cultivation, struggle with high fertilizer costs that hinder their profitability. With a market potential exceeding $240 million for livestock feed and organic fertilizer in Tanzania, we aim to capture a $25 million market share by 2030. Our business model embraces circular economy principles, converting waste into valuable products, thereby benefiting the environment and the economy. We focus on creating a positive social impact through sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and improved farmer livelihoods. Our innovative solution boosts food security, reduces dependence on synthetic inputs, and fosters a healthier environment.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-02-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Both co-founders are passionate youth with master's degrees in Marine Science and over 8 years of experience in research, working in fish farms and government organizations. They are skilled in project management, fundraising, pitching, and entrepreneurship, and are passionate about sustainability and the circular economy.

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

https://lima-africa.vercel.app

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our job creation both in and outside of our payroll is helping to ensure we are equipping local communities with capital to develop local economies.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our product offering is helping to ensure that farmers we supply are able to produce higher yields for their families and the wider community.

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

Our organic fertilizer works to deliver more nutrient-rich diets for those consuming agricultural products.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

As a company, ensuring local communities are educated about circular economy, sustainability, and waste management is core to our approach.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

50% of our employees are female and our Co-Founder and first Farm manager are females. We are committed as a company to ensuring gender equality across our operations.

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

Through community engagement we improve sanitation, waste disposal and waste collection in Dar es salaam by collecting food waste from source.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

Our model works to employ local talent across our farms. By doing so, we are developing jobs and channeling capital into communities.

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

With our site employing over 10 staff and creating an additional 30 jobs, we are ensuring that communities are offered new income streams.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

We profitably up-cycle waste from communities instead of the waste being discarded in open-air dumps or landfills, polluting water sources and impacting public health

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

The food industry accounts for ¼ of global greenhouse gas emissions. We believe we both mitigate harmful environmental impacts and push for a net positive effect

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

At Lima, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also offering sustainable alternative such as organic fertilizer.

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

We prevent waste from rotting to release methane which affects our oceans, destroying its natural abilities to support life below water as a result of increased heat and temperatures

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

Our products discourage the use of inorganic fertilizers which are associated with land degradation, biodiversity loss and health issues to human being

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

Having partnered with major organisations such as the Climate KIC, we are committed to ensuring our partnerships are contributing to sustainable innovations and practices.

06.01 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

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

4

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

Our project uniquely addresses both waste management and fertilizer affordability by leveraging the bioconversion of organic waste using bioconversion agents such as micro organisms and insects. Unlike traditional waste disposal methods, our approach not only reduces methane emissions but also transforms waste into high-quality, affordable organic fertilizer. This fertilizer is 30% cheaper and 100% more nutritious than conventional options, making it accessible to smallholder farmers and improving soil health sustainably. Our innovative use of bioconversion agents sets us apart, promoting a circular economy and supporting over 75% of Tanzanians in the agriculture sector. By integrating waste reduction with enhanced agricultural productivity, our project provides a holistic solution to pressing environmental and economic challenges.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Direct competition includes organic fertilizer producers such as Biobuu, Hakika Fertilizers, and Africa Harvest in Tanzania, and Sanergy, Safi Organics, and Insectipro outside Tanzania. Indirect competition comes from businesses selling inorganic fertilizers, which are unsustainable and contribute to climate change. Our project stands out through its innovative agency network model, which directly connects with underserved farmers. Additionally, our credit financing via farmers' associations enhances farmers' access to inputs. Our affordable, high-quality organic fertilizers support climate-friendly agriculture by reducing reliance on greenhouse gas-intensive protein sources and petrochemical fertilizers. By utilizing microorganisms and insects for waste bioconversion, we offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution that addresses both waste management and agricultural productivity, setting us apart from direct and indirect competitors.

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

Yes, our Co-Founder is a female and through her she inspires also a lot of female to engage in entrepreneurs , we offer free training on sustainability, circular economies and modern farming and we always encourage female to apply through our training programs