Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Grevego is a green technology company that facilitates the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, connecting consumers to vendors, conveniently and sustainably.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our service in form of a mobile application would function as a fruit, vegetable and home garden sales hub, connecting vendors and consumers. It offers an on-demand delivery platform where consumers can order these products from vendors within their region, allowing customers to buy products online and get it delivered to their doorstep conveniently leveraging a cold-chain and sustainable delivery system enhanced by AI technology.

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

One-third of edible portions of the food produced globally is lost or wasted along the supply chain, from farm to plate. The total volume of wasted food consists of 38% fruits and vegetables. The wasted produce generates an estimated 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO 2011). The revenue in the vegetable market amounts to US$27.10bn, and is expected to grow annually by 13.53% (Statista 2024). FAO estimates that food losses in Sub-Saharan Africa adds up to $4Bn annually (FAO 2020). In Nigeria, total food loss amounts to about 80 million tons annually across the entire food value chain, which equals about 9% of its GDP. Consequently, 37% of perishable goods get spoiled due to low penetration of cold storage and supply chain systems at <1% (World Bank 2024). Small to medium-scale vegetable vendors incur significant losses and wastage due to limited access to cold chain solutions needed to efficiently distribute and preserve their perishable goods.

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

Adopting the use of our service helps traders reduce loss, mitigate carbon emissions associated with high food miles and methane from food waste, empower youth to green jobs fostering social-economic empowerment and inclusion, increase convenient access to healthy living, food security and controlling plastic bag pollution. This service would operate with the following distinctive features: Mobile Application to Order Fruits & Vegetables, Healthy Products and Home Gardening Kits Cold-chain Delivery Boxes Last Mile Delivery - Manual & Electric Bicycles Eco-Friendly Packaging - Reduce Plastic Bag Waste Onboard Fruit & Vegetable Vendors (Majorly Women), Delivery Personnel (Majorly Youth) AI Integration for Data Insights, Recommendations, LLM Indigenous Speech to Text Order USSD Service

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

This service is primarily aimed at empowering small to medium scale fruit and vegetable vendors to increase distribution and sales. Extensively, this service is secondarily aimed at improving the access to fresh and healthy produce leveraging a convenient and sustainable market experience by consumers in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods. Hence, our customer profiles are in two groups: VENDORS Fruits and Vegetable Sellers Processed Fruit & Vegetable Retailers Home Garden Kit Sellers Chain-Stores CONSUMERS Urban & Peri-Urban Residents & Families Busy Individuals Health-conscious Individuals Environmentally-aware Consumers

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

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.)

Peter Enejo (Co-Founder) is a systems, software and data engineer crafting innovative solutions Zibusiso Mtunzi (Co-Founder) is an engineering graduate highly enthused by data analytics, sales and entrepreneurial thinking with industry expertise gained across technology, innovation and finance across Africa, Europe and America Taibat Lawanson (Social Advisor) is a Professor of Management and Governance at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she leads the Pro-poor Development Research Cluster. Her research focuses on the interface of social complexities, urban realities and the quest for spatial justice Grace Abikoye (Venture Advisor) works in the capacity of an Investment Analyst at Bank of America, possessing an inner drive for on-field commodities trading, supply, logistics, and strategy. She gained experience in marketing and sales while working at Africa Exchange, a commodity exchange firm ranked by Financial Times as fastest growing firm in Nigeria and third in Africa (2020)

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/company/grevego/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By increasing the profitability and sustainability of vendors and creating jobs, Grevego directly supports the goal of ending poverty. By providing small to medium-scale vegetable vendors with greater market access through our mobile application, we help them sell more of their produce directly to consumers. This can lead to increased earnings, as vendors are able to reduce the amount of unsold produce that would otherwise go to waste. Our business model, which includes the use of bicycles and delivery personnel, creates new job opportunities, particularly for low-income individuals. By offering employment that requires relatively low startup costs (such as bicycle delivery), we provide work opportunities that are accessible to a broader segment of the population, including those in poorer, urban areas.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By connecting consumers directly with vendors and improving the efficiency of the market for small and medium-scale vendors, our platform helps ensure that produce is sold and consumed before it spoils. This can contribute to better nutritional options for communities, particularly in urban areas where access to fresh produce can be limited, by potentially increasing the availability of affordable, fresh vegetables and fruits. Many small-scale vendors suffer from inadequate market access, which can lead to economic instability and an inability to produce more food. We support these vendors by opening new market opportunities, thus stabilizing their income and encouraging them to increase production, which in turn can help alleviate local hunger. This can include reducing the distance food travels from farm to table, which not only preserves the nutritional value of food but also supports the local economy.

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

Our startup not only promotes physical health through better dietary options and activity but also contributes to broader environmental and public health benefits, aligning well with the objectives of SDG 3. By connecting consumers directly with fresh vegetable and fruit vendors, our app makes it easier for people to access healthy, nutritious foods, which is crucial for good health and well-being. Our initiative helps reduce food wastage, ensuring that more food reaches consumers in good condition. Reducing food waste not only conserves resources but also means that more food is available at a lower cost, making healthy options more accessible to a broader segment of the population, including lower-income groups. The use of bicycles for the delivery of goods also promotes physical activity among our delivery personnel, contributing to their physical health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By providing training and resources through our app, we can help educate vendors on best practices for managing their inventory, using sustainable methods, and engaging effectively with consumers. This upskilling not only improves their business acumen but also contributes to their lifelong learning. Through our platform, we have the opportunity to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable consumption, the impact of food waste, food nutrition and the benefits of supporting local vendors.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By providing a platform that helps small to medium-scale vegetable vendors reduce losses and access a broader market, our startup potentially increases their earnings. This economic boost can be especially significant for women, who often represent a large portion of market vendors in many communities. Increased financial independence for women directly supports their empowerment and equality. The technology-driven nature of our platform may encourage more women to engage in entrepreneurial activities, either as vendors or as part of the logistics and support systems. This can help bridge the gender gap in technology and business ownership.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. While our startup's primary focus is on food distribution, it indirectly contributes to this goal in several ways. By minimizing food waste, your startup helps conserve the water used in the production of fruits and vegetables. Agricultural activities consume a significant amount of water, so reducing wastage means the water used to grow crops that aren't consumed — a key aspect of water resource management.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Grevego's vision contribute to this goal by the use of manual and electric bicycles for delivery, and a long term plan for a solar powered vertical urban farm. This aligns with SDG 7's aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. For instance, using solar-powered cold boxes and electric bicycles powered by renewable sources helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Also, by implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices in the logistics and cooling solutions, our startup contributes to using energy-efficient cold storage solutions and optimizing delivery routes to minimize energy usage. The business model, which incorporates green technologies for food preservation and transportation, can serve as a showcase for innovative energy solutions in the logistics sector.

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

Grevego directly contributes to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. By connecting small and medium-scale vegetable vendors directly with consumers, we help increase their sales opportunities and reduce the economic losses associated with food wastage. This not only boosts their income but also contributes to their economic stability and growth. The infrastructure required to support our service—including logistics for deliveries and the operation of the mobile platform—creates jobs both directly and indirectly. This includes opportunities for delivery personnel, tech support and administrative roles. Through our platform, vendors can access a larger market without the need for significant additional investment or exposure to exploitative middlemen. This can improve their working conditions and promote more equitable business practices.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By developing a mobile application that connects consumers directly with vegetable vendors, our startup introduces an innovative service model in the food distribution sector. This digital platform not only modernizes the retail supply chain but also offers a sustainable solution that reduces food wastage and boosts technological capabilities. Additionally, the use of bicycles and cold boxes for delivery represents an investment in small-scale, adaptable, and sustainable infrastructure. This approach not only makes the delivery process more efficient but also lessens the environmental impact compared to traditional delivery methods. Through our app, we're enabling small to medium-scale vegetable vendors to access a broader market directly without the need for intermediary large-scale industrial operations. This helps maintain their viability and supports sustainable industrial practices within the food industry.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

This startup helps these vendors access a broader market which can increase their incomes and reduce economic disparities, particularly benefiting those in lower economic strata who often face challenges accessing larger, more lucrative markets. This service can also help democratize access to fresh produce by making it available to wider segments of the population, including underserved urban areas and improve nutrition among populations that might otherwise have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. By providing technology and logistics support to small vendors, it helps level the playing field against larger businesses. This support is crucial in fostering an environment where small enterprises can thrive, thereby contributing to a more equitable economic landscape. The use of bicycles and mobile technology may open up employment opportunities for individuals who might not have access to more traditional job markets including those with limited formal education.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By utilizing bicycles and mobile applications to connect consumers directly with vegetable vendors, our startup helps reduce the need for large delivery trucks, long food miles and high market traffic that contribute to urban congestion and carbon emissions. This can lead to less traffic, reduced air pollution, and more efficient use of urban spaces. It supports small business owners and keeps economic benefits within the community, which is a key aspect of sustainable urban development. The use of bicycles and cold boxes for delivery is an example of sustainable urban logistics. This method is environmentally friendly and utilizes low-impact transport options that are better suited for dense urban areas. By facilitating quicker and more efficient distribution channels, perishable goods are less likely to be discarded and it makes it easier for consumers to access fresh produce directly from vendors, your startup promotes responsible consumption patterns.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By connecting consumers directly with vegetable vendors through your mobile application, we minimize the amount of produce that goes unsold and subsequently wasted. This aligns with SDG 12’s target to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels. The business model encourages more efficient use of resources by streamlining the distribution process, preserving quality of the produce, optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact. The app facilitates shorter and more direct supply chains by linking local producers with nearby consumers. This reduces the need for long-distance transportation, lowering the carbon footprint associated with food distribution and supporting more sustainable food production and consumption patterns. It will also offer information about the importance of reducing food waste and supporting local economies, which further educates the public on responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By utilizing bicycles and cold boxes for the delivery of vegetables and fruits, Grevego reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. This transition to non-motorized and more sustainable modes of transportation significantly cuts down carbon emissions, directly supporting efforts to combat climate change. Our solution addresses the issue of food wastage by connecting produce with consumers before it spoils. Since food waste is a significant source of greenhouse gases from decomposition in landfills, reducing waste directly decreases these environmental impacts. By facilitating the distribution of fresh produce in an eco-friendly manner using paper bags, Grevego promotes sustainability within the community. This encourages both vendors and consumers to adopt more climate-responsible behaviors, contributing to broader climate action efforts. local sourcing helps minimize the long transportation chains typically associated with food distribution, further reducing carbon footprints.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

By minimizing food wastage and optimizing the supply chain, this startup can help decrease the amount of waste that potentially ends up in water bodies. Proper waste management reduces runoff pollution, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. Through our platform, we have the opportunity to educate vendors and consumers about the importance of sustainable practices including the reduction of plastic usage, which is a significant pollutant in marine environments.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By decreasing the amount of unsold and spoiled produce through improved distribution, Grevego helps minimize the waste that often ends up in landfills, where it can contribute to methane emissions and land pollution. Efficient distribution systems reduce the need for extensive land use associated with waste, larger retail setups and storage facilities, which can encroach on natural habitats. Moreover, optimizing the transport and delivery processes to minimize travel distances and times can contribute to lower emissions and less disruption to biodiversity. By providing home garden kits, we encourage consumers to engage in their own food production, which can increase urban regeneration and awareness of sustainable practices, as well as the importance of biodiversity. This hands-on approach can foster a greater connection to the land and a better understanding of the ecological impacts of agriculture.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Through our solution, we can enhance inclusiveness by providing small and medium-scale vendors, who might otherwise be marginalized in larger economic ecosystems, with equal access to a broader market. This inclusiveness can help reduce inequalities in market access and economic opportunity. By creating a transparent, tech-driven connection between vendors and consumers, we support the development of more accountable business practices. This transparency can foster trust among users, an essential component of peaceful societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

By creating a platform that connects vegetable vendors with consumers, we fosters partnerships between different stakeholders within the food supply chain. This includes collaborations with local businesses, technology providers, and possibly government entities aiming to reduce food waste and improve economic opportunities for small vendors. The use of digital technology to enhance market access for small and medium-scale vendors embodies the spirit of SDG 17 by leveraging innovative solutions to address development challenges, such as food waste and market inefficiency. Also, by providing a service that helps vendors manage their inventory and connect with a broader consumer base, our startup indirectly supports the building of capacity in small businesses.

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

6

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

5

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.

3

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

This business idea stands out in the competitive landscape due to its unique integration of cold chain delivery with last-mile distribution, leveraging mobile technology. Our startup bridges this gap by combining cold storage technology with a mobile delivery network, ensuring that fresh goods are not only stored under optimal conditions but are also delivered efficiently and sustainably to the consumer's doorstep. This integration of cold chain logistics and mobile technology for direct-to-consumer delivery is both innovative and critical for ensuring food quality, reducing waste, and enhancing consumer satisfaction in the perishable goods market

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

Unlike Chowdeck, which focuses solely on on-demand food delivery without cold chain capabilities, this venture ensures that perishable products like vegetables and fruits maintain their freshness from the vendor to the consumer, significantly reducing the risk of spoilage and loss. This is crucial in regions with hot climates where food can quickly degrade without proper temperature control. Moreover, while Ecotutu provides cold storage solutions at hubs and farms, it does not address the critical gap of last-mile delivery.

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

Most of local fruits and vegetable vendors in Nigeria are women. This venture would go a long way in empowering these women entrepreneurs to increase their economic viability and also help adapt to climate change.