Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

SokoBaridi provides solar-powered cold storage solutions to reduce food waste, improve food security, and stabilize prices in Tanzania. Our modular, scalable units extend the shelf life of perishables, benefiting smallholder farmers and market vendors.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

SokoBaridi provides innovative, solar-powered cold storage solutions to address the pressing issue of food waste in Tanzania. Our modular, scalable units utilize solar energy to extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security. We offer flexible payment models, such as pay-as-you-store and lease-to-own, making our technology accessible to smallholder farmers and market vendors. By stabilizing food prices and increasing incomes, SokoBaridi contributes to economic growth and sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Our pilot project in Morogoro serves as a model for expansion across Tanzania and beyond.

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

The main problem SokoBaridi addresses is the high rate of food waste in Tanzania, particularly in the post-harvest stage. Up to 40% of fruits and vegetables, 30% of dairy products, and 25% of fish and seafood are wasted due to inadequate storage facilities. This not only leads to significant economic losses, estimated at $268 billion annually, but also wastes valuable resources like water, fertilizers, and energy. Additionally, with Tanzania's population projected to double by 2050, reducing food waste is critical for improving food security and ensuring sustainable development.

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

Reduction in Food Waste: Our solar-powered cold storage units extend the shelf life of perishable goods from 2 days to up to 21 days, significantly reducing food spoilage and post-harvest losses. Economic Savings and Increased Incomes: By reducing spoilage, SokoBaridi helps stabilize food prices and improve the incomes of local farmers and vendors, contributing to economic growth. Environmental Benefits: Our solution reduces the waste of critical resources such as water and fertilizers used in food production, and utilizes clean, renewable solar energy, promoting environmental sustainability.

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

SokoBaridi’s solar-powered cold storage solutions are aimed at serving smallholder farmers, market vendors, and local communities in Tanzania. These groups often lack access to reliable and affordable storage facilities, leading to high post-harvest losses. By providing scalable and modular cold storage units, SokoBaridi empowers these beneficiaries to reduce food spoilage, increase their incomes, and stabilize food prices. Additionally, our technology benefits the wider community by improving food security, reducing waste of natural resources, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-10

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.)

Warda Msitu: An agricultural engineer with over 3 years of experience in post-harvest technology and rural development. She has extensive knowledge in designing and implementing sustainable agricultural solutions. Oliver Ngowi: A renewable energy expert with a background in solar technology and over 6 years of experience in developing and deploying solar power systems in off-grid areas. Frank Mluge: A business development specialist with a strong background in finance and entrepreneurship, having worked with several startups in the agribusiness sector to scale their operations and secure funding.

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

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

SokoBaridi strongly contributes to the No Poverty goal by empowering smallholder farmers and market vendors in Tanzania. By reducing post-harvest losses and stabilizing food prices, our solar-powered cold storage solutions help alleviate poverty by increasing incomes and ensuring economic stability in local communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi significantly contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by improving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in Tanzania. Our cold storage solutions extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing food waste and ensuring access to nutritious food for communities, thus combating hunger and malnutrition.

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

SokoBaridi contributes to promoting good health and well-being by providing access to fresh and nutritious food through extended shelf life of perishable goods. By reducing food spoilage and improving food safety standards, our cold storage solutions contribute to healthier diets and overall well-being for consumers.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While our primary focus is on addressing food waste and improving food security, SokoBaridi indirectly contributes to quality education by fostering economic stability and creating opportunities for farmers and vendors to invest in education for themselves and their families through increased incomes and stable food prices.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi promotes gender equality by actively involving women as co-founders and stakeholders in our startup. Additionally, our solutions empower women farmers and vendors by providing them with access to technology and economic opportunities, thus contributing to greater gender equality and women's empowerment in the agricultural sector.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

While our primary focus is on food storage solutions, SokoBaridi indirectly contributes to clean water and sanitation by reducing food waste, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of agricultural practices and minimizes pollution of water sources from food waste disposal.

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

SokoBaridi strongly contributes to the Affordable and Clean Energy goal by harnessing solar energy to power our cold storage solutions. By utilizing clean and renewable energy sources, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable energy practices in the agricultural sector.

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

SokoBaridi contributes to decent work and economic growth by creating employment opportunities and fostering economic stability in rural communities. By reducing post-harvest losses and stabilizing food prices, our solutions enable farmers and vendors to earn sustainable incomes, thus promoting economic growth and livelihood improvements.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by introducing innovative cold storage solutions to the agricultural sector in Tanzania. Our modular and scalable units represent a technological advancement in food storage infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and resilience in the supply chain.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi contributes to reducing inequalities by providing smallholder farmers and market vendors, including marginalized groups, with access to affordable and efficient cold storage solutions. By leveling the playing field and empowering these stakeholders, we contribute to reducing economic disparities and promoting inclusive economic growth.

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

While our primary focus is on rural areas and agricultural communities, SokoBaridi indirectly contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing food waste, and ensuring access to nutritious food for urban populations, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of communities.

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

SokoBaridi strongly contributes to responsible consumption and production by reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Our cold storage solutions enable efficient utilization of resources, minimize environmental impact, and support the transition towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi strongly contributes to climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of solar energy and by minimizing food waste, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental degradation, we contribute to mitigating climate change and building climate resilience.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

While our primary focus is on land-based agricultural solutions, SokoBaridi indirectly contributes to life below water by promoting sustainable land use practices that reduce pollution and runoff into aquatic ecosystems, thus indirectly supporting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi contributes to life on land by promoting sustainable land use practices and reducing deforestation associated with expanding agricultural land. By minimizing food waste and preserving terrestrial ecosystems, we contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health, and the overall sustainability of land resources.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

While our primary focus is on agricultural and economic development, SokoBaridi indirectly contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering economic stability, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive development. By addressing root causes of poverty and inequality, we contribute to creating more stable and resilient societies.

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

SokoBaridi strongly believes in the power of partnerships to drive sustainable development. We actively collaborate with various stakeholders including local governments, NGOs, agricultural cooperatives, and international organizations to implement our cold storage solutions effectively. These partnerships enable us to leverage expertise, resources, and networks, amplifying the impact of our initiatives. By fostering collaboration and cooperation, we contribute to revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development and strengthening the means of implementation for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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

6

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

5

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

SokoBaridi's cold storage solutions represent a groundbreaking innovation in addressing post-harvest food waste. While there may be existing cold storage options, our solar-powered units are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of smallholder farmers and market vendors in Tanzania. This novel approach combines renewable energy technology with modular design, affordability, and extended freshness capabilities, making cold storage accessible and effective in off-grid areas. By significantly reducing post-harvest losses and extending the shelf life of perishable goods, SokoBaridi fills a critical gap in the market and revolutionizes food storage practices in Tanzania.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include traditional cold storage facilities and other cold storage startups operating in Tanzania. However, what sets SokoBaridi apart is our emphasis on sustainability, affordability, and scalability. Unlike traditional cold storage options that often rely on grid electricity and are expensive to operate, our solar-powered units offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Additionally, our modular design allows for easy adaptation to various market sizes and needs, providing flexibility and accessibility to a wider range of customers. Moreover, our focus on community engagement and support distinguishes us by fostering trust and long-term relationships with our customers.

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