Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our innovation, "Mnzeru Mkupangwa," transcends geographic boundaries to address the pervasive challenges faced by farmers across Malawi. The system help farmers share knowledge, skip intermidaries, get answers to other pressing issues etc.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Gusherlabs is a pioneering tech hub dedicated to impacting lives across various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, and energy. We foster local tech excellence by providing ICT services, advocating for technology education, offering mentorship programs, and managing e-waste, all while forging global connections. Through innovative solutions, workshops, mentorships, and collaborative partnerships, we prepare, coach, and equip individuals and communities using technology and innovation. Our approach blends regional talent with global standards, empowering and promoting teamwork to address local challenges and enhance local tech capabilities.

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

As Gusherlabs, we are addressing pressing issues. To begin with, 1. Farming sector: Every year farmers strive to produce food. But intermediaries keep hijacking over them. This affects farmers' standards of living. Our eyes are a witness and so we came up with mnzeru mkupangwa to connect such farmers so that they get the knowledge to increase productivity, have their goods sold to direct markets and stop poverty because as of now, 24% (commercial farmers) of the 7% of our population are still living in poverty. 2. Raising local tech standards to meet the global standards. Our motto is limitless local tech excellence. We have discovered how foreign software companies win contracts without us bridging the gap. Through our initiatives, we train college students practical materials as this again is a problem in our universities. We strive to take and adopt global standards to fill the gap

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" offers several major benefits to farmers. Firstly, it facilitates knowledge sharing among farmers, allowing them to exchange best practices and innovative techniques, which leads to increased productivity and sustainability. Secondly, it eliminates the need for intermediaries, enabling farmers to directly access markets and fair pricing, thus improving their economic empowerment and reducing poverty. Lastly, the system provides timely answers to pressing agricultural issues, helping farmers make informed decisions that enhance food security and ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year. Through these advantages, "Mnzeru Mkupangwa" significantly contributes to the socio-economic development of rural communities.

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

Gusherlabs serve 1. Farmers. We recognise the significance of farmers to the country as food is still is backbone to the country. We target them to get the right knowledge and also have their eyes opened to be able to thrive economically 2. Students. Expose students to the practical world early so that they too can participate globally

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-25

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

1. Emmanuel Ngwala Electronics and Computer Engineer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Full Stack Developer | Interested in IoT and Artificial intelligence. Was at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Studying Bachelors in Electronics and Computer Engineering. 2. Stephane Patrick. Entrepreneur & Computer Network Engineer | Database Designer | Full-stack Developer . With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Network Engineering from University of Malawi .Collaborated with diverse companies and clients. Passionate about AI, Robotics, and IoT, dedicated to leveraging technology for innovative solutions and impactful outcomes.

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

https://www.gusherlabs.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Statistically, intermediaries get double than farmers. Due to lack of knowledge, farmers are unable to store their produce. Mnzeru mkupangwa screened and reversed these by giving farmers the right knowledge and also access direct markets. Farmers will be able to keep their products longer and also sell at reasonable prices eliminating wastes, poverty etc.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The knowledge from the platform will help farmers engage in agricultural practices that are sustainable. This is going to propagate all the way to how best they should store the food including best practices, like now most farmers do not store food produce. After they learn, there will be food security all year round. It is evident that as a country, a lot of food is produced and yet most of it is wasted. In a short time, farmers with their families starve and this cause some children to grow with malnutrition. Our strategies aim at deploying weapons that will bring about food security, sustainable agriculture etc.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

When farmers make wrong decisions, even those depending on them suffer. With extended families, a lot of people suffer including children when farm produce are all sold without anything remaining. Our strategies include helping farmers keep some for the family and also helping them sell at reasonable prices. These two will safeguard their health be it physically, psychologically and mentally. Some farmers use loans when doing farming and because of being pressured, they often sell their produce at low prices which affect their health life afterwards.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our information is screened by those certified in the agricultural sector such as Extension workers etc. and so it is a high quality information that farmers can depend on. In fact, we came up with this idea seeing how farmers were being misled on other platforms when their fields had issues for instance a disease they never knew of etc. This information build farmers on the right things to do instead of following the traditional approaches to farming.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We allow instructors such as Women, girls whether they have farming experience or are from different university to have their contents on our platform. This way, women and girls are empowered because they too can do amazing and even teach men better

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

So depending on the course that has been uploading, some information might touch these bases which in the end opens up farmers to manage water for instance in a case where he/she can utilise some space to catch rain water instead of just losing it

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Again on this, the courses can actually contain such information as part of education

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" promotes decent work and economic growth by empowering Malawian farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their productivity and profitability. By facilitating direct access to markets, it eliminates intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing and increasing farmers' income. The system also offers training and support, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques and fostering sustainable practices. This leads to improved crop yields and food security, contributing to economic stability. By supporting the agricultural sector, which is a significant part of Malawi's economy, our startup helps create sustainable employment opportunities, reduces poverty, and drives inclusive economic growth.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly aligns with industry innovation and infrastructure goals by providing a robust, tech-driven platform that supports agricultural innovation in Malawi. Our system leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver real-time information, resources, and market access directly to farmers, fostering an environment of sustainable industrialization. By connecting farmers with digital tools and knowledge, we help build a resilient agricultural infrastructure that can withstand economic and environmental challenges. Furthermore, by promoting the use of modern farming techniques and facilitating direct market access, we enhance productivity and inclusivity within the agricultural sector, driving overall economic growth and development.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly contributes to reducing inequalities by empowering smallholder farmers in Malawi, who are often marginalized and lack access to resources. Our platform provides equal access to vital agricultural information, training, and market opportunities, enabling farmers from diverse backgrounds to improve their productivity and incomes. By eliminating intermediaries, we ensure that even the smallest farmers receive fair compensation for their products, reducing income disparities. Additionally, by connecting local farmers to global markets and best practices, we help bridge the gap between local capabilities and international standards, fostering a more equitable and inclusive agricultural sector.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" aligns with the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities by enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural agricultural practices, which directly impacts urban food security and economic stability. By providing farmers with advanced agricultural knowledge and market access, we promote sustainable farming practices that lead to stable food supplies and reduce rural-urban migration pressures. Our platform's focus on fair trade and economic empowerment ensures that rural communities thrive, reducing the socio-economic disparities between rural and urban areas. This holistic approach fosters inclusive, safe, and resilient communities, contributing to the overall sustainability and well-being of both rural and urban settlements.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" supports responsible consumption and production by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing waste. Our platform educates farmers on efficient resource use, crop rotation, and organic farming, leading to environmentally friendly production methods. By enabling direct market access, we reduce food waste typically associated with lengthy supply chains. Furthermore, our system encourages the adoption of a circular economy by facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources among farmers, promoting recycling, and the reuse of agricultural by-products. This approach ensures that production is sustainable, consumption is responsible, and environmental impact is minimized, fostering a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" actively contributes to climate action by promoting sustainable farming practices that mitigate climate change impacts. Our platform educates farmers on techniques such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and organic farming, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil health. Additionally, we provide real-time data and weather forecasts, helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and make informed decisions. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and encouraging eco-friendly practices, we support the transition to a more resilient agricultural system. This proactive approach not only combats climate change but also ensures that farming communities are better equipped to cope with its effects, fostering a sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural sector.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly supports the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting agricultural practices that restore and conserve land. Our platform educates farmers on sustainable farming techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming, which help maintain soil health, prevent land degradation, and combat desertification. By encouraging the responsible use of natural resources, we reduce deforestation and promote biodiversity. Additionally, our system provides real-time data and insights, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that align with environmental conservation goals. Through these efforts, we contribute to the sustainable management of forests, the reversal of land degradation, and the preservation of biodiversity, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" contributes to peaceful and inclusive societies by empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, thus promoting economic stability and reducing poverty-related conflicts. By providing equitable access to market information and fair pricing, we ensure transparency and accountability, fostering trust within agricultural communities. Our platform also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers, strengthening community bonds and promoting social cohesion.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly supports partnerships for sustainable development by actively collaborating with local and international organizations, governments, and experts. These partnerships enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge technology and resources to farmers, ensuring they benefit from global best practices. By connecting Malawian farmers with international markets and knowledge networks, we bridge the gap between local capabilities and global opportunities. Additionally, our collaborations help mobilize financial, technical, and capacity-building support, vital for scaling our impact. Through these strategic partnerships, we contribute to the collective effort of achieving sustainable development goals, fostering an inclusive and cooperative approach to addressing agricultural challenges in Malawi.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

5

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.

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

In Malawi, a lot of effort need to be done to engage farmers in utilising digital ways to improve themselves. So to say this service is new because its way beyond replacing manual papers for instance when it comes to time to travel information from one place to another. Mnzeru mkupangwa offers a range of products including marketplace, courses, information sharing etc. Such service is responding to a demand thats not yet filled but more opportunistic.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Currently, there is no one who is offering what we are offering. We have seen it from afar like in Nigeria but not here

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

Yes, we have just partnered with a female entrepreneur who help farmers in livestock production and she needs help in teaching the students she engages learn Artificial Intelligence