Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

TENERGY is a clean energy venture geared to empower communities by enabling access to clean and affordable energy products like solar home systems, improved cookstoves, biomass briquettes, and biogas systems.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

TENERGY is a clean energy venture that is inspired to empower communities and households by enabling access to affordable energy solutions. We started our operation in 2022 and got registered in April 2023. So far, we have so far already reached 3,000 people in remote and rural areas of Malawi with durable solar pv systems that they pay on pay-as-you-go. We have recruited and deployed a network of 30 sales agents to bring these technologies to them. In addition, we also produce biomass briquettes from waste wood hacks and bind them with waste food stuff collected from restaurants. We also manufacture and sell improved cooks stoves. The idea is to reduce and eliminate emissions from municipal waste, cooking, and lighting for households while enabling them to save money through flexible payment models and consumer protection strategies.

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

We are addressing the lack of access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions in Malawi. Over 18 million Malawians are off the main electricity grid, making solar lamps and solar home systems ideal alternatives. However, high upfront costs hinder affordability and deter businesses from investing due to the low financial capacity of the target market. To tackle this, TENERGY recruits and deploys local youths and women as sales agents, bringing solutions directly to customers' doorsteps. We offer PAYGO payment plans, allowing customers to pay over 13 months, enhancing affordability. Additionally, over 90% of Malawians rely on biomass for cooking, causing severe deforestation and environmental degradation. We address this by converting municipal and wood manufacturing waste into energy and developing matching improved cookstoves. This approach enhances energy efficiency and mitigates the environmental impact of traditional charcoal production techniques, promoti

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Affordability: Families can procure a solar home system by paying in installments over 13 months, making it accessible without the need to save for an extended period. This prevents them from sacrificing essential economic choices such as their children's education or farming investments. Accessibility: By deploying local youths and women as sales agents, we bring the solution directly to customers' doorsteps, eliminating transportation costs and the inconvenience of traveling to urban areas to purchase these systems. Safety and Health: Adoption of our solar systems offsets the use of kerosene lamps and candles, which are known to cause fire accidents and health problems such as poor eyesight from dim light and respiratory issues from fumes. Unlike traditional lighting solutions that require daily purchases, our product requires payments for only 13 months, after which the household enjoys free, clean energy, enhancing financial stability and health

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our target are the 18 million Malawians in rural and remote areas who lack access to electricity. This includes households, schools, and health centres that need these solutions but cannot afford to raise the full amount to make once off payment of these products and can not travel to urban areas to procure these products.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-04-14

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Pius Goodnews Mkandawire is a dedicated social entrepreneur and clean energy specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Technologies from Mzuzu University and a Masters in Energy Policy from the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences. Since 2019, he has advocated for renewable energy, starting as an SRHR advocate with the Youth Action Movement, where he raised awareness on gender-based violence and human rights. He worked as a research assistant on solar energy literacy and e-waste management projects, educating communities on solar technology and consumer rights. As an intern at the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority, he ensured compliance and sustainability of energy projects. In 2022, Pius founded TENERGY, a startup providing clean energy solutions to 2,500 people. His work addresses energy literacy, substandard technologies, and unqualified installers, aiming to improve energy access and livelihoods in rural Malawi.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

With the provision of solar home systems on a pay-as-you-go basis, TENERGY enables low-income families to access electricity affordably. This approach helps them save money previously spent daily on kerosene or candles. Small business owners can operate longer hours, increasing their income, while students can study for extended periods, enhancing their educational outcomes. Furthermore, the phone charging capabilities of our systems ensure better access to information, particularly in agricultural development, which is crucial for Malawi's economy. These combined benefits empower social and economic capacities, significantly contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By enabling access to reliable electricity, our solutions support agricultural productivity and food security. Farmers can utilize solar-powered equipment for irrigation, storage, and processing, which helps increase crop yields and reduce post-harvest losses. Additionally, phone charging services enable farmers to access vital agricultural information, weather forecasts, and market prices, further enhancing food production and distribution. TENERGY’s waste-to-energy initiatives, which convert municipal and wood manufacturing waste into cooking energy, support sustainable agricultural practices. By providing improved cookstoves, we reduce the reliance on traditional biomass fuels, which can lead to deforestation and soil degradation. This helps maintain healthy ecosystems that support agriculture, thereby enhancing food security

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Our solar home systems replace kerosene lamps and candles, which are known to cause respiratory and eye health problems due to smoke and poor lighting. By providing clean and bright solar lighting, we improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of fire accidents. This transition promotes better health and safety standards in households, contributing to the overall well-being of families.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Access to reliable lighting enables children to study in the evenings, improving educational outcomes. Our PAYGO model ensures families do not have to sacrifice education expenses for energy needs. Furthermore, we educate our sales agents and community members about renewable energy, enhancing knowledge and skills related to sustainable technologies.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

By recruiting and training local women as sales agents, TENERGY empowers women economically and promotes gender equality. This initiative not only provides women with income-generating opportunities but also positions them as key players in the transition to clean energy solutions, challenging traditional gender roles and contributing to social change.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Solar energy solutions can power water pumps and purification systems, improving access to clean water in rural areas. By enabling the use of solar-powered water infrastructure, we contribute to better sanitation and hygiene, reducing water-borne diseases and improving the health and well-being of communities.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our core mission is to provide affordable and clean energy to off-grid communities. By deploying solar home systems, we ensure that households have access to sustainable and renewable energy sources. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also promotes energy security and environmental sustainability.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

TENERGY creates job opportunities for local youth and women as sales agents and technicians, fostering economic growth and decent work. By facilitating access to electricity, we also enable small businesses to extend their working hours and increase productivity, contributing to local economic development and improved livelihoods.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our innovative pay-as-you-go solar systems represent a leap in sustainable technology and infrastructure for rural areas. By promoting renewable energy solutions, we support the development of resilient infrastructure and foster innovation in the clean energy sector, which is essential for sustainable industrial growth.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By providing affordable energy solutions to marginalized and low-income communities, we help bridge the energy access gap and reduce inequality. Our inclusive approach ensures that even the most disadvantaged groups can benefit from modern energy services, promoting social and economic equity.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our clean energy solutions contribute to building more sustainable and resilient communities. Access to reliable electricity enhances safety, health, and economic opportunities, making rural areas more livable and sustainable. Additionally, our waste-to-energy projects reduce environmental impact and promote cleaner, greener communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

TENERGY promotes the use of renewable energy and waste-to-energy technologies, encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns. By converting waste into energy and providing eco-friendly cookstoves, we reduce environmental pollution and resource depletion, supporting sustainable development practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By replacing kerosene lamps and candles with solar lighting and promoting waste-to-energy solutions, we significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our initiatives directly contribute to climate action by promoting renewable energy, thus helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, our climate-smart agriculture practices and educational efforts on sustainable energy use further enhance community resilience against climate-related impacts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our waste-to-energy initiatives and promotion of improved cookstoves help reduce deforestation and forest degradation. By providing alternatives to wood and charcoal, we decrease the demand for these resources, aiding in the preservation of forests and biodiversity. Our focus on sustainable energy practices helps protect and restore ecosystems, promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial resources.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Access to reliable energy fosters safer communities by reducing the need for hazardous lighting sources like kerosene lamps and candles, which can cause fires. Improved lighting also enhances security in homes and public spaces. Furthermore, by empowering local women and youth through employment and business opportunities, we contribute to social stability and the establishment of strong, inclusive communities.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our success is built on strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including international organizations, local communities, financial institutions, and government bodies. By fostering collaboration and leveraging these partnerships, we enhance the effectiveness and reach of our initiatives. Our approach exemplifies the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals, demonstrating that shared efforts can lead to significant, lasting impact.

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

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our main product is the Sunking Home 200X, which comes with 200 lumen tubelights, expansion capacities, and a phone charging function. The competing products are not as bright, most of them range between 90 to 120 lumens, and they do not have battery expansion features like this one does.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors are solar lamp distributors based in Malawi's capital city, approximately 400km from the Northern Region. These distributors primarily rely on courier services or regional sales agents, increasing product costs due to added courier fees. This setup limits access to informed business owners, making the products even more expensive as they are resold. A significant challenge arises when products malfunction, as existing distributors lack a physical presence or a system for providing repair services or replacements within the warranty period. This situation erodes client trust in solar products, damaging the products' and businesses' reputations and hindering market growth. In contrast, our company stands out by being locally based in the Northern Region, significantly reducing product costs and improving accessibility. We offer extensive customer service support, ensuring rapid response times for maintenance issues and technical assistance.

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

in recruiting sales agents, females are given a special consideration. In addition we donated some solar home systems to a girls hostel as a way of promoting girls education.