Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Revolutionizing clean energy with portable power bank rental stations and innovative advertising platforms for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Chaja revolutionizes clean energy and digital advertising in Africa with innovative Battery as a Service (BaaS) and Digital out of Home (DOOH) solutions, empowering businesses and communities with sustainable, portable charging and impactful advertising platforms

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

Chaja addresses the lack of reliable, affordable energy and effective advertising in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 600 million people lack adequate electricity, affecting daily life and connectivity. Existing solar kits are often unstandardized, and businesses struggle to engage target audiences effectively. Our Battery as a Service (BaaS) model provides portable power bank rental stations and MiFi services, ensuring continuous access to clean energy and internet connectivity. This empowers users to stay connected and productive. Our Digital out of Home (DOOH) advertising platform transforms charging stations into dynamic ad spaces, offering businesses a powerful tool to reach a captive audience. Additionally, we plan to introduce solar generators to further enhance energy access. By combining sustainable energy solutions with innovative advertising, Chaja drives socio-economic growth and fosters a more connected future.

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

Chaja’s innovative solutions offer numerous benefits and advantages: Reliable Energy Access: Our Battery as a Service (BaaS) model provides continuous access to clean energy through portable power bank rental stations. This ensures individuals and businesses stay connected and productive, even in areas with unreliable electricity. Enhanced Connectivity: Our MiFi services offer seamless internet access, supporting improved communication and business operations. Innovative Advertising: Our Digital out of Home (DOOH) platform turns charging stations into dynamic ad spaces, giving businesses a powerful tool to reach a captive audience and increase brand visibility. Future Expansion: We plan to introduce solar generators, further enhancing sustainable energy access. Chaja’s comprehensive approach drives socio-economic growth, fosters sustainability, and improves digital connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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

Individuals and Communities: We aim to provide reliable energy and internet access to individuals in urban and rural areas, enhancing their quality of life and productivity. This includes students, professionals, and residents who need consistent power and connectivity. Businesses and Enterprises: Our solutions cater to hotels, restaurants, conference and exhibition halls, wedding venues, and event hosts. These businesses benefit from offering convenient charging and WiFi services to their customers, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Event Planners and Organizers: Event planners and organizers of concerts, festivals, and large gatherings can enhance the attendee experience with our portable charging stations, ensuring guests stay connected throughout the event. Marketing Agencies: Our Digital out of Home (DOOH) advertising platform is targeted at marketing agencies and businesses looking to reach a captive audience through dynamic and impactful advertisements.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-09-30

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?

1

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

Tony G. Mlella, Founder & Head of Investment and Growth at CHAJA, holds a Business Administration degree from the United States International University-Africa. Formerly the Operations Director at Janaton Investments Ltd in Tanzania, he expanded their real estate portfolio and diversified business ventures. Tony's entrepreneurial background drives his focus on innovation and sustainability, aiming to economically empower African communities while preserving the environment. Donatha is a strategist, innovator, and design thinker with experience in mining, industrial, manufacturing, automotive, and banking sectors. She excels in understanding customer needs and crafting solutions. Her work with diverse executives has enhanced her critical and lateral thinking. With a background in social innovation and product development, Donatha balances business constraints and creative problem-solving, embodying the motto “change the game.”

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

https://www.chaja.info/

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

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

3

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Chaja promotes gender equality and empowers women and girls through its business model: Economic Empowerment: Women can expand businesses by offering power bank rental services, boosting income and wealth distribution. Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Chaja creates entrepreneurship avenues, allowing women to become hosts or vendors and earn from rental fees and advertising. Financial Independence: DOOH services enable women to earn residual income, enhancing economic autonomy and decision-making. Access to Resources: Chaja provides access to clean energy and advertising platforms, enabling women to reach new customers and grow businesses, aligning with SDG 5.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

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

Chaja's initiatives are closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Through our Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, we provide portable power bank rental stations charged using renewable energy sources such as solar power. This innovative approach promotes energy efficiency, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and minimizes carbon emissions, thereby advancing SDG 7's objective of promoting renewable energy and mitigating climate change. Furthermore, Chaja's initiatives have a positive socio-economic impact on communities by improving access to clean and reliable electricity. Businesses and individuals benefit from increased productivity, enhanced quality of life, and improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education. By fostering economic growth and development, we contribute to achieving SDG 7's overarching goal of ensuring universal access to modern energy.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Chaja aligns with SDG 8 by promoting sustainable economic growth and decent work opportunities. Through initiatives like the Battery as a Service (BaaS) model and Digital out of Home (DOOH) advertising platform, we stimulate entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and foster inclusive growth. By prioritizing fair employment practices, gender equality, and inclusivity, Chaja contributes to building a more prosperous and equitable future for communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

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

Chaja aligns with SDG 11 by promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities through its clean energy solutions and infrastructure initiatives. By providing portable power bank rental stations charged with renewable energy sources, Chaja enhances accessibility to clean energy in urban and rural areas. This contributes to creating resilient and environmentally sustainable urban infrastructure while fostering disaster preparedness and reducing pollution. Overall, Chaja's commitment to SDG 11 ensures the development of cities that are inclusive, safe, and sustainable for all residents.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

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

Firstly, our BaaS model promotes the adoption of clean energy solutions by providing portable power bank rental stations charged using renewable energy sources such as solar power. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions, we help combat climate change and contribute to SDG 13's goal of promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, our DOOH advertising platform enables businesses to reach their target audiences effectively while minimizing environmental impact. By utilizing digital advertising instead of traditional print media, we reduce paper consumption and waste, thereby supporting SDG 13's objective of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

3

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.

3

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.

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.

4

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 idea is unique and innovative due to several key factors. Firstly, our Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, offering portable power bank rental stations charged with renewable energy sources, is a novel approach to providing clean energy access in urban and rural areas. This innovative solution addresses the challenge of unreliable electricity and promotes sustainability. Additionally, our Digital out of Home (DOOH) advertising platform, integrated with charging stations, offers a new and interactive way for businesses to reach their target audience while promoting circularity by reducing paper waste. Moreover, our focus on community engagement and empowerment, particularly in supporting female entrepreneurs, sets us apart and underscores our commitment to social impact. Overall, our project combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and community-driven initiatives to create a truly unique and innovative solution that addresses pressing challenges.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include companies offering similar portable power bank rental services and digital advertising platforms. However, what sets us apart is our comprehensive approach to sustainability and innovation. Unlike traditional power bank rental services, we integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into our charging stations, reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy access. Additionally, our Digital out of Home (DOOH) advertising platform offers a unique opportunity for businesses to reach their target audience in an interactive and environmentally friendly way. Furthermore, our focus on community engagement and empowerment, particularly in supporting female entrepreneurs, distinguishes us as a socially responsible and impactful company. Overall, our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact positions us as a leader in the market, setting us apart from our competitors.

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

Yes, we are actively initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. We provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and support programs specifically tailored to empower female entrepreneurs in accessing resources, building skills, and scaling their businesses. Additionally, we collaborate with local organizations and initiatives that focus on gender equality and women's empowerment to further amplify our impact and promote diversity in entrepreneurship.