Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We aim to solve the problem of plastic pollution caused by the retail of potable water in plastic bags. Our vision is to install solar powered smart potable water metering stations in close proximity to densely populated areas across the nation.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project consists of the development of a solar powered smart water metering stations . This would be a fully automated station where customers buy water units through our app, then walk into any of the stations when thirsty to buy chilled or normal water in reusable cans. The power requirements for communication, dispensing and refrigeration would come from an in-built PV system. Partnership deals would be made with existing portable water companies willing to leave business as usual to operate in a sustainable way. Our company would undertake retails services in their regions of coverage while they continue the sales of water in dispensing gallons and bottles which are easily recycled, but not plastic bags. To encourage adoption, Users would be assigned 'plastic credits', equivalent to the volume of plastic wastes they had avoided. In the future, FMCG companies packaging with nylon bags could buy back these credits as part of their CSR. Users get water credit in return.

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

Environmental pollution Nigeria is ranked as one of the largest producers of plastic waste in Africa, with an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually. A significant portion of this waste comes from disposable plastic water sachets. The environmental impact is severe, as improper disposal and lack of recycling infrastructure result in widespread plastic pollution. The carbon footprint associated with traditional water purification and distribution methods is another concern. Many Nigerian households and communities rely on energy-intensive processes such as boiling water using fossil fuels. The extensive use of single-use plastic packaging further increase the carbon foot print of this industry. Access to clean water This is a critical issue in Nigeria too. According to the World Health Organization, over 60 million Nigerians lack access to a clean and reliable water supply. My solution seeks to reduce plastic wastes and increase access to drinking water.

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

Enhanced Accessibility to Clean Water: By providing self-service, fully automated stations, users have 24/7 access to safe, clean drinking water. This significantly improves water accessibility in urban and semi-urban areas, addressing a critical public health need. Environmental Sustainability: The project reduces plastic waste by encouraging the use of reusable containers and awarding 'plastic credits' for avoiding plastic bags . These credits can be exchanged for water, promoting eco-friendly consumer behavior. The use of solar power for the stations further promotes sustainability and the use of renewable energy sources. Economic and Social Impact: Partnerships with existing portable water companies create new business opportunities and drive economic growth. The 'plastic credits' system also engages FMCG companies in CSR activities, fostering a circular economy. Consumers benefit by earning water credits, enhancing community participation in environmental conservation.

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

Urban and Semi-Urban Residents: Individuals living in areas with limited access to clean and reliable drinking water. These residents benefit from the convenience and reliability of 24/7 access to safe water. Environmentally Conscious Consumers: People who are motivated to reduce their plastic waste and engage in sustainable practices. Portable Water Companies: Businesses looking to operate sustainably and expand their reach. By partnering with our project, these companies can enhance their services and participate in a circular economy. FMCG Companies: Corporations interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. They can purchase 'plastic credits' to offset their environmental impact, supporting sustainability efforts. Community Members: Overall, the entire community benefits from improved water access, reduced environmental pollution, and economic opportunities created through new partnerships and incentives.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-13

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Mrs. Abutu Gift Ehikowoicho Mrs Gift worked with a portable water production and distribution company. She has ample experience in the pure water production industry, having worked both as a sales representative and production line inspector respectively. she will be in charge of developing the project's profitable partnership with water purification companies. Mr Isaac Ifeakachi Nwankwo is a senior software engineer with 5 years cognate experience in web and app development. He has as well successfully occupied many leadership positions in the tech industry. He will be in charge of developing and managing the project's digital infrastructures. He is proficient in the use of a wide range of programming languages, project management software and various skills sets required for the effective implementation of a software project.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project can help alleviate poverty indirectly by providing affordable access to clean water, reducing healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases, and creating economic opportunities through new business partnerships and employment.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

The project ensures 24/7 access to safe and clean drinking water, significantly improving public health by reducing waterborne diseases. Clean water is fundamental for maintaining health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Providing automated water metering stations directly addresses the need for clean and accessible water, a core aspect of this SDG. The project promotes hygiene and sanitation by making safe water readily available.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project employs solar energy to power the water stations, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promoting the use of clean, affordable energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By partnering with existing water companies and creating new business opportunities, the project supports economic growth and generates employment in the regions it serves.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The integration of smart technology and renewable energy into public water services exemplifies innovative infrastructure development, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The project contributes to building sustainable communities by providing essential services, reducing plastic waste, and utilizing renewable energy, aligning with the goals of sustainable urban development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The 'plastic credits' system encourages consumers to avoid plastic waste, promoting responsible consumption. The use of reusable materials and sustainable practices aligns with the goal of responsible production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By leveraging solar power, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change impacts, supporting global climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Reducing plastic waste through direct metering to consumers and the 'plastic credits' initiative helps to decrease pollution in water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems and life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The reduction in plastic waste and the use of sustainable practices also benefit terrestrial ecosystems by reducing land pollution and promoting biodiversity conservation.

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

4

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

The project's promotes partnerships with existing water companies, FMCG corporations, and other stakeholders. These collaborations are crucial for achieving shared sustainability goals and fostering multi-sectoral cooperation.

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

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

The solar-powered smart water metering station combines renewable energy, automated water dispensing, smart metering, and an environmental incentive system into a single solution, creating an entirely new type of service that doesn't currently exist in the market. The integration of smart metering technology, mobile app connectivity, and automated dispensing systems classifies this project as new technology, leveraging modern innovations for sustainable water access and management. This project improves existing water dispensing services by offering 24/7 access and incentivizing plastic waste reduction, thus enhancing convenience, sustainability, and environmental impact. By partnering with local water companies, this project extends traditional water supply services into a modern, automated, and eco-friendly domain. The project addresses unmet needs for sustainable, automated, and accessible clean water dispensing, providing a solution that current services fail to deliver.

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

Potential competitors are mainly traditional drinking water production companies. However, these features set us apart: Innovative Technology: Our station integrates solar power, smart metering, and mobile app connectivity, offering a modern, sustainable, and convenient water access solution not widely available in the market. Environmental Sustainability: The inclusion of a 'plastic credits' system promotes eco-friendly behavior and plastic waste reduction, distinguishing us as an environmentally conscious choice. Accessibility and Convenience: Providing 24/7 access to clean water with options for chilled or normal water appeals to consumer preferences for convenience and flexibility, setting us apart from traditional water delivery services. Partnerships and Integration: Collaborating with local water companies and leveraging existing infrastructure ensures seamless integration and widespread availability, giving us a competitive edge in market penetration and service reliability.

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

I have initiated actions within my sphere of influence to promote the role of female entrepreneurs in the following ways 1. Patronizing female entrepreneurs in a male dominated niche. My former role as a manager of a precast concrete revealed the struggle of women to survive in building materials business. I therefore had a policy to buy from businesses run by women, as long as they offer my desired quality at a fair price. 2. Youth coaching As a youth coach supervising about 300 youths of which at least half of them are females. I use my platform to teach the females under me the importance of entrepreneurship and why they should participate. Over the years I have watched some of them decide to explore entrepreneurship with the skills they acquired in trainings and online.