Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Sokofly is an online marketplace connecting Africans in the diaspora with authentic African foodstuff from Nigeria, offering convenient shopping for individuals and businesses.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Sokofly is an innovative online marketplace designed to connect Africans in the diaspora with authentic African foodstuff from Nigeria. Our platform allows individual customers to shop for a wide range of packaged African food products, while businesses can place bulk orders tailored to their needs. Sokofly supports a diverse vendor community, enabling local suppliers to list their products and reach a global audience. We offer reliable monthly and bi-weekly delivery schedules, ensuring that customers receive fresh and high-quality items consistently. Our user-friendly platform includes features like secure payments, order tracking, customer reviews, and business accounts with invoicing. By bridging the gap between local Nigerian vendors and the global African community, Sokofly aims to provide a convenient, trustworthy, and culturally rich shopping experience.

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

The main problem Sokofly aims to solve is the limited access Africans in the diaspora have to authentic African foodstuff. An estimated 17 million Africans live outside the continent, with significant populations in countries like the USA (2.1 million), the UK (1.3 million), and Canada (1 million). These individuals often face challenges in finding reliable sources for traditional ingredients and packaged food products, leading to high prices and inconsistent quality. Surveys indicate that 60% of African diaspora members struggle to find authentic food products, and when available, they often pay 30-50% more than local prices. Simultaneously, local Nigerian vendors lack access to these global markets, with over 80% relying solely on domestic sales, limiting their growth and income potential. This is the problem Sokofly is solving

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

Authenticity and Quality: Sokofly ensures that diaspora customers receive authentic African foodstuff directly from various trusted Nigerian suppliers, maintaining high-quality standards and shopping experience. with Sokofly a local producer is empowered. Convenience and Reliability: Sokofly offers a user-friendly online platform with regular monthly and bi-weekly delivery schedules. Customers can easily browse, purchase, and track their orders, enjoying a hassle-free shopping experience. Businesses benefit from bulk ordering options and customizable delivery schedules. Additionally, Sokofly offers collation services, gathering orders from different vendors and delivering them as one package, enhancing convenience. Product Inspection Services: For an additional fee, Sokofly provides product inspection services, ensuring that items meet quality standards before shipping. This service builds trust with customers, guaranteeing that

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

Africans in the Diaspora: This includes individuals and families living outside Africa, particularly in countries where there are significant African populations with few african stores. African Foodstuff Stores: Sokofly caters to African foodstuff stores outside Nigeria by offering bulk ordering options and customizable delivery schedules. These stores can source a wide range of authentic Nigerian food products Nigerian Agribusiness Vendors: Sokofly supports local farmers, food processors, and small to medium-sized agribusinesses in Nigeria. By offering them a platform to reach global markets.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-04

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

n/a

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

www.nowebsite.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Sokofly significantly enhances income for Nigerian vendors by giving them access to global markets, thereby reducing poverty. The additional revenue stream helps vendors improve their living standards and provides economic stability, which directly supports poverty alleviation efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By supporting local food production and distribution, Sokofly indirectly helps to enhance food security. Promoting traditional agricultural practices and ensuring a market for local produce contributes to sustainable food systems, which is essential for achieving zero hunger.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Access to culturally familiar and nutritious food helps maintain the health and well-being of Africans in the diaspora. Sokofly’s products enable better dietary choices that align with their traditional eating habits, which can lead to improved health outcomes.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

While Sokofly does not directly impact education, the economic benefits provided to vendors can lead to improved educational opportunities for their children, as increased household income often results in better access to education.. Vendors on sokofly can access training and quality education through our educational partner company Agrodemy to enable them improves their business for free

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Sokofly empowers female agribusiness vendors by providing them with a platform to reach a broader market. This economic empowerment helps to reduce gender disparities and promote gender equality within the agribusiness sector.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Sokofly’s direct influence on clean water and sanitation is minimal. However, increased incomes from Sokofly’s platform can enable vendors to invest in better sanitation and water facilities for their families and communities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Sokofly’s operations do not directly influence the affordable and clean energy sector. However, the economic growth of vendors may indirectly lead to increased investments in clean energy solutions in the future.

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

Sokofly creates new job opportunities and promotes decent work by connecting vendors to international markets. This fosters economic growth and improves working conditions, significantly contributing to this SDG.. When vendors have new customers and order through sokofly, they are able to employ more people into their production cycle, thereby increasing job opportunity in Nigeria.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Sokofly encourages innovation in the agribusiness sector by integrating digital solutions and promoting efficient infrastructure for market access. This supports industry growth and infrastructural development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Sokofly helps reduce economic inequalities by providing market access to marginalized vendors. This increases their income potential and economic status, contributing to a more equitable distribution of wealth.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Sokofly supports local economies and promotes sustainable business practices. By boosting the local agribusiness sector, it contributes to the development of sustainable communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Sokofly encourages responsible consumption by promoting authentic, high-quality products. Supporting local suppliers fosters sustainable production practices within the agribusiness sector.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Sokofly’s indirect support for sustainable agriculture contributes to climate action. However, the platform’s direct impact on climate initiatives is limited, though the promotion of sustainable practices is beneficial.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Sokofly has minimal direct impact on marine ecosystems. The platform primarily deals with agribusiness products, which have little connection to marine conservation efforts.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Sokofly promotes sustainable agricultural practices that benefit terrestrial ecosystems. By supporting local farmers, it encourages the conservation and sustainable use of land resources.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Sokofly’s economic empowerment of communities can contribute to social stability and indirectly support peace. However, it does not have a direct impact on justice and institutional strength.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Sokofly exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering partnerships between Nigerian vendors and international markets. This collaboration promotes mutual growth and supports the achievement of multiple SDGs through collective efforts.

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

5

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

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

5

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Justification for Sokofly's Innovativeness Sokofly is unique and innovative for several reasons: Cultural Connection: It bridges the gap for Africans in the diaspora by offering authentic Nigerian foodstuff, preserving cultural identity through food. Vendor Support: Sokofly provides marketing, logistical assistance, and value-added services like product inspection and collation, enhancing local vendors' marketability and competitiveness. Dual Platform: Sokofly caters to both individuals and businesses with tailored solutions, expanding market reach. Reliable Delivery: Regular monthly and bi-weekly delivery schedules ensure fresh, high-quality products, maintaining customer satisfaction. Secure Payments and Tracking: Features like secure payments and order tracking build trust and improve user experience. Societal Impact: Sokofly increases vendors' income, contributing to poverty reduction and community development.

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

Sokofly's main competitors include OjaExpress, Afrikrea, Noshahi, and various African grocery store platforms. However, Sokofly stands out through its unique focus on cultural connection, offering authentic Nigerian foodstuff to Africans in the diaspora, thereby preserving cultural identity. Unlike generic marketplaces, Sokofly provides comprehensive vendor support, including marketing, logistical assistance, product inspection, and collation services, enhancing vendor competitiveness and reliability. Additionally, Sokofly's dual platform caters to both individuals and businesses, offering tailored solutions such as regular delivery schedules and bulk ordering with invoicing options. The consistent monthly and bi-weekly delivery ensures customers receive fresh, high-quality products, significantly boosting satisfaction. Features like secure payments and order tracking further enhance user trust and experience. Moreover, Sokofly's societal impact is significant.

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

I help female entrepreneurs around me apply for grant application monthly. I also work with Agrodemy academy to make agribusiness knowledge accessible to women using technology