Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Alafia is a Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platform that aims to democratize access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet for the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) population in emerging markets. Our goal is to bridge the global digital divide by 2036.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Alafia is an AI-driven Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platform that aims to democratize access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet connectivity for the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) population in emerging markets. We leverage emerging technologies including SpaceX's Starlink, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce the costs of mobile internet data by up to 70% for the suburban and urban BoP while connecting the over 2 billion unconnected rural population around the World to the digital economy, to unlock the over $1 trillion value at the bottom of the pyramid.

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

The main problem Alafia is trying to solve is the problem of the global digital divide, lack of affordable and accessible internet connectivity and economic/financial inclusion services for underserved and poor communities around the World. Many individuals in these communities face significant barriers to accessing the digital economy and building financial resilience, which hinders progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alafia's mission is to address this digital divide and provide innovative solutions that empower these communities to participate fully in the digital economy, thereby contributing to the achievement of these critical SDGs.

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

The major benefits and advantages of Alafia's product/service include: 1. Affordable Internet Connectivity: Alafia's solutions provide underserved communities with affordable and reliable internet access, enabling digital economy participation and addressing the digital divide in line with SDG 9. 2. Economic and Financial Inclusion: Alafia's platform facilitates crypto on-/off-ramps via prepaid airtime, allowing users to access financial services and acquire essential/productive assets like Starlink, smartphones, solar home systems, electric irrigation pumps, business support loans, etc., at very low upfront costs and repayment spread over 12-24 months. This fosters economic and financial inclusion, contributing to SDG 1, SDG 8, and SDG 10. 3. Sustainable Development Impact: By bridging the digital divide and enabling economic and financial empowerment, Alafia's solutions directly impact underserved communities, aligning with SDG 10 and SDG 11 on sustainable and inclusive progress.

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

Alafia's project is aimed at serving the vast "bottom of the pyramid" population in emerging markets across the world. The key target beneficiaries include: Rural Cooperatives, Farmers, and Rural Entrepreneurs: Alafia seeks to empower individuals and small businesses in rural areas of emerging markets, providing them with affordable internet connectivity and financial inclusion tools to enhance their productivity, market access, and overall economic opportunities. MSME Owners, Housewives, Traders, Students, Agents, Freelancers, Remote Workers, and Content Creators: Alafia's solutions cater to a wide range of underserved populations, from small business owners to gig workers, content creators, and students, enabling them to participate in the digital economy and access opportunites including online education, virtual excursions, remote working, digital entrepreneurship, etc.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-05-01

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

5

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.)

1. Bentenbi CHAIN DRAA TANI is an experienced academic empowering students, professionals, and organizations with digital skills, focusing on transformative information and emerging technologies. 2. Kwabena Smith founded Orun Energy in 2004 to provide clean tech for African and Indian cell sites. In 2012, his team achieved 94% diesel reduction for Indian telcos. Kwabena has also chaired Susu Microfinance Bank in Nigeria. 3. Orakwe John is an AI specialist guiding businesses to gain competitive advantage. He excels at effective AI program development and offer upskilling. Orakwe contributes to responsible AI for social impact through UNDP's AI4Dev. 4. Debo Olatunde is a Tech and Digital Media Specialist experienced in all project phases, from planning to delivery. 5. Glory Praise Emmanuel is a Blockchain Developer and Frontend Engineer passionate about building user-friendly tech. She educates people, especially young women, through articles, videos, and events.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsonoladapo

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

1. Access to Internet Connectivity: By providing underserved populations in emerging markets with affordable and reliable internet access, Alafia's solutions enable them to participate in the digital economy and access essential online services, helping to bridge the digital divide closely linked to poverty. 2. Facilitating Financial Inclusion and Empowerment: Alafia's platform, through partnership with Fonbnk, allows users to seamlessly on-ramp and off-ramp the crypto space using prepaid airtime, giving them access to a range of financial tools and services, including loans to acquire productive assets like smartphones, solar home systems, and other agricultural tools. These financial services empower individuals to invest in their own economic development and rise out of poverty. 3. Supporting MSMEs: Alafia's solutions cater to the needs of MSMEs, which are the backbone of emerging market economies and crucial for job creation and income generation through access to micro-loans, etc.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Alafia contributes to the Zero Hunger goal (SDG 2) in the following ways: 1. Empowering Smallholder Farmers: Alafia provides affordable internet and financial services to smallholder farmers, enabling them to access market information, connect with buyers, access weather forecast information, obtain loans for agricultural inputs, improving their yields and incomes, and many other opportunities. 2. Supporting Rural Cooperatives: Alafia collaborates with rural cooperatives, equipping them with digital tools and financial resources to organize, share knowledge via online platforms and AI tools, and collectively market products - strengthening the bargaining power of smallholder farmers. 3. Facilitating Access to Agricultural Technology: Alafia makes technologies like weather sensors and precision farming tools more affordable and accessible, empowering farmers to optimize production, reduce waste, and adapt to climate change.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Here is how Alafia contributes to the Good Health and Well-being goal (SDG 3): Improving Access to Digital Health Solutions: Alafia's affordable internet connectivity enables underserved communities to access a range of digital health services, such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health applications. This improves their ability to receive timely and quality healthcare, regardless of their geographic location. Supporting Community Health Workers: Alafia partners with local community health workers to integrate its connectivity and financial inclusion solutions into their service delivery. This empowers health workers to better coordinate care, access real-time health data, and connect patients to essential medical resources. Promoting Digital Health Literacy: Alafia's platform includes educational modules that help users, particularly in rural areas, develop the digital skills and knowledge needed to effectively utilize online health resources and mana

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Access to Digital Learning: Alafia's affordable and reliable internet connectivity enables underserved communities to access a wide range of online educational resources, including e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and digital libraries. This helps to bridge the digital divide and ensures more equitable access to quality education. Supporting Remote and Blended Learning: Alafia's solutions will empower schools and educational institutions to effectively implement remote and blended learning models, especially in areas with limited physical infrastructure. This has been particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions to traditional in-person schooling. Facilitating Teacher Professional Development: Alafia will partner with educational organizations to provide teachers with access to online training, workshops, and collaboration tools. This helps to improve their digital skills, teaching methodologies, and overall professional development.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Here is how Alafia contributes to the Gender Equality goal (SDG 5): Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Alafia's tailored financial services and business support programs will specifically target women entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities. This will help to foster their economic independence and expand their participation in the formal economy. Increasing Women's Access to Digital Tools: Alafia's affordable internet connectivity and digital literacy training will empower women to access a wide range of online resources, including educational opportunities, market information, and social support networks. This helps to close the digital gender divide. Promoting Women's Financial Inclusion: Alafia's microfinance and digital banking solutions will enable women to securely save, borrow, and manage their finances. This increases their control over household resources and decision-making power, contributing to greater gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

nil

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Enabling Access to Productive Clean Energy Assets: Alafia provides affordable Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) financing options that allow underserved communities to acquire essential clean energy products, such as solar chargers, home systems, cooking stoves, electric bicycles, etc. This makes it easier for households and small businesses to adopt renewable energy technologies. Clean Energy Ecosystem: Alafia partners with local clean energy enterprises to integrate its BNPL financing solutions, helping these businesses expand their customer base and make their products more accessible to low-income consumers. This stimulates the growth of a sustainable clean energy ecosystem. Promoting Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Practices: Alafia's digital platforms will educate consumers on the benefits of energy-efficient technologies and encourage the adoption of sustainable energy management practices. This helps to improve the overall energy footprint of the communities Alafia serves.

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

Enabling Entrepreneurship and Job Creation: Alafia's BNPL financing solutions and business support services empower entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities, to start and grow their own enterprises. This helps to create new jobs and stimulate local economic development. Fostering Financial Inclusion and Stability: Alafia's digital financial services, such as savings, credit, and insurance products, provide underserved individuals and small businesses with access to the resources they need to build financial resilience and pursue economic opportunities. This supports sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth. Supporting Remote Work and Flexible Employment: Alafia's connectivity solutions and digital platforms enable individuals in remote and underserved areas to access new employment opportunities, including remote work and flexible arrangements. This expands access to decent work and promotes inclusive economic participation.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Promoting Technological Innovation: Alafia's digital platforms and financing solutions leverage innovative technologies, such as mobile payments and blockchain-based asset tracking, to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of clean energy, agricultural, and other essential services. This drives technology-led innovation and modernization. Supporting Small-Scale Industrialization: Alafia's BNPL financing and business support services enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in farming, to access credit loans and equipment needed to upgrade their operations and increase productivity. This helps to foster inclusive and sustainable industrialization. Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: Alafia's platform connects local producers, suppliers, and distributors, helping to build more robust and diversified supply chains. This enhances the ability of communities to withstand shocks and disruptions, ensuring the reliable provision of essential goods and services.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Bridging the Digital Divide: Alafia's core focus is on leveraging digital technologies and infrastructure to increase access and affordability of essential services, especially in underserved rural and sub-urban communities. By addressing the digital divide, Alafia helps to ensure that marginalized populations are not left behind in the digital economy. Expanding Access to Financial Services: Alafia's digital financial inclusion solutions, such as BNPL financing, savings accounts, and insurance products, provide underserved individuals and communities with greater access to the resources they need to improve their economic standing. This helps to reduce income and wealth disparities. Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs: Alafia's targeted support and mentorship programs help to uplift and empower entrepreneurs from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to start and grow their own businesses.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Promoting Renewable Energy Access: Alafia focuses on expanding access to affordable and clean energy solutions, such as solar home systems, electric bicycles, clean stoves, etc., in underserved communities. This helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Change Fund: Alafia has established a dedicated Climate Change Fund within our tokenomics. This fund channels a portion of the platform's revenue towards initiatives that support climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as forest conservation, regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects in our target communities. Carbon-Negative Blockchain: We have chosen to build our platform on the Celo blockchain, which is designed to be carbon-negative. By leveraging Celo's innovative proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and commitment to environmental sustainability, Alafia is able to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and transactions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration with EdTech, HealthTech, and Other Platforms: Alafia will forge partnerships with platforms like EdTech, HealthTech, Agritech, etc., to incorporate digital learning solutions and telemedicine services into our offering. This will help to improve access to quality education and healthcare in the communities Alafia serves, contributing to the overall well-being and development of these underserved populations. Partnerships with NGOs and Community-Based Organizations: Alafia will work closely with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as community-based organizations (CBOs) to leverage their deep understanding of the local context and established relationships with target communities. These partnerships will enable Alafia to better tailor our solutions to the specific needs and preferences of the communities we serve, ensuring greater relevance and impact.

05.01 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

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

3

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

5

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.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

While other connectivity and financial services exist, the Alafia model is unique. Combining satellite internet, decentralized finance, and community-focused services, it empowers underserved populations in emerging markets. Alafia leverages advancements in satellite Internet, AI, and blockchain, creating a platform tailored to the unmet needs of rural communities. Alafia addresses a critical market gap in emerging economies: the digital divide and lack of financial services. This solution catalyzes sustainable progress, transforming lives and communities. Alafia isn't just an extension of existing technologies but a pioneering blend of cutting-edge capabilities with a deep understanding of local contexts. In summary, Alafia is a groundbreaking innovation, unlocking new possibilities for the communities it serves. It goes beyond improving the status quo by creating something entirely new and transformative. I am proud to lead this charge toward a more inclusive and empowered World.

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

Our main potential competitors include Wicrypt, Dabba Network, Helium, Althea, Open Garden, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Wicrypt: Alafia's DeFi along with affordable Starlink kits and smartphones, make it more attractive for BoP users. Dabba Network: Alafia’s global reach and focus on underserved communities worldwide, plus innovative financing and token incentives, gives it an edge over the India-focused Dabba Network. Helium: Unlike Helium's IoT and wireless network focus, Alafia prioritizes affordable internet access and AI tools for BoP users, leveraging Starlink kits and smartphones with innovative financing and token incentives. Althea: Alafia’s emphasis on underserved communities and affordable Starlink kits and smartphones differentiates it from Althea’s decentralized internet focus. Our financing model and token incentives provide a competitive advantage.

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

Yes. Working, brainstorming and sharing ideas with Dr Bentenbi, one of our Advisors in the startup and also a female, we are exploring the barriers that female founders face especially in rising to Unicorns or being among the Top 10 successful entrepreneurs across the globe and how we could help reduce these barriers.