Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

ReSource is an e-commerce platform that connects people who have waste with those who need it. By doing so, we promote recycling, reduce pollution, and support a circular economy.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

ReSource is an innovative e-commerce platform designed to transform waste management in Nigeria by connecting waste producers with waste buyers. The platform allows households, businesses, and farmers to list their waste materials, such as organic scraps, recyclables, and more. Artisans, upcyclers, and recycling companies can then search for and purchase these materials, fostering a circular economy and reducing landfill waste. ReSource categorizes waste into types like organic, e-waste, plastics, and metals, ensuring efficient and targeted transactions. Additionally, the platform integrates secure transaction features, an educational component to promote responsible consumption, and gamification elements such as leaderboards and rewards to encourage continuous user engagement. By leveraging technology and community involvement, ReSource aims to reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and create economic opportunities, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

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

The main problem ReSource aims to solve is the inefficient and unsustainable waste management system in Nigeria. Urban areas in Nigeria generate over 32 million tonnes of waste annually, yet less than 20% is formally collected. The remaining waste ends up in open dumps, landfills, or is burnt, leading to severe environmental pollution, public health issues, and economic loss. This mismanagement results in clogged drains, polluted air, disease outbreaks, and the destruction of natural resources. Furthermore, informal waste collectors often face hazardous working conditions and lack proper recognition or remuneration.

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

ReSource offers several benefits: environmental sustainability through recycling and reduced waste, economic opportunities for individuals and businesses, enhanced public health through improved air quality, and reduced health hazards associated with waste pollution. educational resources for responsible consumption, and inclusive participation for informal waste collectors. This comprehensive approach addresses environmental, economic, and public health challenges, making ReSource a valuable solution for sustainable waste management.

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

ReSource primarily serves households, small-scale farmers, and small-medium recycling businesses. Households can easily dispose of waste and earn income, farmers can access organic waste for sustainable farming practices, and recycling businesses can source raw materials cost-effectively. ReSource creates a targeted and impactful solution for sustainable waste management by focusing on these core beneficiary groups.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-03

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

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Technical Lead: 8+ years of experience in software development, expertise in backend development, data analysis, and technology integration. Product/Design Lead: 2+ years of experience in product design, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) development, with a background in graphic design. Product Manager (Market & Business Development): MBA, 10+ years of experience in market research, business development, and partnerships, with a background in finance.

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

https://simplest-choices-610348.framer.app/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Environmental Technology

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

ReSource aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability, which can lead to cost savings and resource efficiency for individuals and communities. By providing education and resources on proper waste management, ReSource can help reduce the economic burden of waste disposal and promote sustainable livelihoods, thereby contributing to the goal of ending poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

ReSource not only promotes sustainable waste management and reduced food waste, but also facilitates the connection between crop farmers and livestock farmers to exchange organic manure, supporting sustainable agriculture practices and improved crop yields. This direct impact on sustainable agriculture and food production strengthens ReSource's contribution to the Zero Hunger goal.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

ReSource promotes proper waste management, which prevents the spread of diseases and reduces environmental pollution, directly contributing to good health and well-being. Additionally, the platform's focus on sustainable agriculture practices and reduced food waste can lead to improved access to nutritious food, further supporting healthy lives and well-being for all ages.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

ReSource provides educational resources and awareness campaigns on sustainable waste management and environmental conservation, promoting environmental literacy and lifelong learning opportunities. While not directly focused on traditional education, ReSource's platform contributes to informal education and skills development, supporting the broader goal of quality education and lifelong learning.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

ReSource's platform and resources are accessible to all, regardless of gender, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both men and women. By providing education and economic opportunities through sustainable waste management, ReSource indirectly supports gender equality and women's empowerment, especially in communities where women are often responsible for waste management and environmental stewardship.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

ReSource promotes proper waste management, which prevents water pollution and protects water sources, contributing to the availability and sustainable management of water. Additionally, the platform's focus on sustainable agriculture practices and reduced waste can help reduce water contamination, further supporting the goal of clean water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

ReSource's primary focus is on waste management and sustainability, and it does not have a direct impact on energy access or production. However, the platform's emphasis on sustainable practices and reduced waste can indirectly lead to more efficient energy use and reduced energy waste, supporting the goal of affordable and clean energy.

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

ReSource promotes sustainable waste management practices, creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the waste management sector. By supporting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing waste, ReSource also contributes to economic growth and decent work opportunities in the agriculture and related industries. Additionally, the platform's impact on informal waste collectors, formalizing their work, improving their working conditions, and providing access to resources and market opportunities, strongly aligns with the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

ReSource promotes sustainable waste management practices, supporting the development of resilient infrastructure for waste collection and recycling. By fostering innovation in waste reduction and recycling technologies, ReSource contributes to inclusive and sustainable industrialization. Additionally, the platform's focus on resource efficiency and circular economy principles encourages the development of new industries and job opportunities, further supporting industry innovation and infrastructure development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

ReSource promotes equitable access to resources and opportunities, reducing inequality by providing education and training on sustainable waste management, supporting small-scale farmers and informal waste collectors, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes. While ReSource's primary focus is not explicitly on reducing inequalities, its inclusive approach and empowerment of marginalized groups contribute to a more equitable society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

ReSource promotes sustainable waste management practices, resilient infrastructure, and resource efficiency, making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By fostering a circular economy and reducing waste, ReSource contributes to the development of sustainable and livable communities, directly aligning with the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

ReSource is fundamentally aligned with the Responsible Consumption and Production goal, as it promotes a circular economy approach by reducing waste, encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, and fostering resource efficiency. By closing nutrient loops and promoting sustainable waste management, ReSource embodies the principles of responsible consumption and production, contributing significantly to this goal.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

ReSource's focus on sustainable waste management, reduced waste, and circular economy principles directly contributes to climate change mitigation. By reducing organic waste in landfills, ReSource helps decrease methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and resource efficiency also supports climate change adaptation and resilience, aligning with the Climate Action goal.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

ReSource's primary focus is on sustainable waste management and agriculture practices, which are not directly related to ocean conservation or marine resource management. While some indirect benefits, such as reduced plastic waste entering oceans, may occur, the project's impact on Life Below Water is minimal and not a primary objective.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

ReSource promotes sustainable agriculture practices, reducing waste and the use of harmful chemicals, which contributes to soil conservation and sustainable land use. Additionally, the project's focus on resource efficiency and circular economy principles supports the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. While ReSource's impact on forest management and desertification may be indirect, its overall approach aligns with the Life on Land goal, promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

ReSource's primary focus is on sustainable waste management and agriculture practices, which does not have a direct impact on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, or building effective institutions. However, the project's inclusive approach and empowerment of marginalized groups, such as small-scale farmers and informal waste collectors, may contribute to social stability and cohesion, indirectly supporting the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

ReSource fosters collaborative partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including small-scale farmers, informal waste collectors, and local governments, to achieve sustainable waste management and agriculture practices. By building bridges between these groups, ReSource strengthens the means of implementation and revitalizes the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, aligning with the Partnerships for the Goal objective.

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

3

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

6

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

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

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.

2

05.08 Justification

ReSource is a groundbreaking waste e-commerce platform that integrates sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and technology. It connects diverse stakeholders, promoting collaboration and resource sharing, and enables the sale of organic fertilizer, recyclables, and other waste-based products through its e-commerce features. The platform's technology integration streamlines waste collection, processing, and sales, while its digital platform provides real-time monitoring and analytics. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental impact, ReSource contributes to a more eco-friendly future, transforming waste into a valuable resource and inspiring a circular and regenerative economy.

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

In Nigeria, potential competitors include: Waste management companies like Wecyclers, RecycleNow, and WasteHQ E-commerce platforms like Jumia and Konga, which could expand into waste management Sustainable product marketplaces like EcoCart and Sustainable Products ReSource stands out through its: Integrated approach to waste management and e-commerce Focus on organic fertilizer and waste-based products Technology integration for efficient waste collection and processing Prioritization of sustainability and environmental impact ReSource's unique model and focus on sustainability set it apart from existing players in the Nigerian market.

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

you're actively involved in promoting female entrepreneurship and gender equality in the tech industry. You're involved with GDG Calabar and Women Techmakers Calabar as a Community Lead. You participate in women-focused events like WINGS IWD