Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We would like to implement Active Carbon Water Filter solutions for the communities of Namibia as we see this as a simple yet highly effective and sustainable solution

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

A platform that offers the youth of Namibia experiential project-based learning opportunities through training and workshops in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with a strong focus on innovative solutions related to renewable energies and circular economy practices. This is to be done through an institutional channel by raising awareness about climate change, equipping the youth with the necessary skill-set and knowledge to innovatively create clean energy solutions that will contribute to sustainable practices.

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

With regard to the current water affairs in Namibia (water scarcity due to drought), this might force many to seek other sources of water that might not be that healthy for consumption. Seeing this problem in our communities: Climate change, stress on clean water supply, communities having no access to clean drinking water, the health of children at risk—10,000 people die because of contaminated water.

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

1. Ensures quick and effective adaptation 2. User friendliness 3. Effectiveness and efficiency (from tests conducted, we found that filtration of up to 20 litres of water in just over 5 minutes is the rate at which the water filter can perform optimally, which is an acceptable time in rural areas that make use of shared community taps for a source of water) 4. Simple to use and easily distributed 5. Job creation through local manufacturing and distribution 6. Easily disposable of without causing harm to the environment (since the main component is actived charcoal, once the filter has reached its end of life, the actived charcoal can be reused for soil redemption for agricultural purposes)

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

1. Peri-urban and rural area inhabitants, since they unfortunately have to rely on unreliable surface water systems or water collection points that are not subjected to proper sanitation efforts.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

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.)

1. Ndapewelao Mbwale (Co-founder) Age: 26 years old, Nationality: Namibian Mbwale has a background in electrical engineering and just over 3 years of working experience in the field of electric mobility in Namibia. Within the startup, he makes use of the following skills and expertise to help ensure the startup sees its potential: Skills: a) Project coordination; b) Communication and networking; c) Technical expertise; d) Leadership and Vision 2. Affary Mubonenwa (Founder) Age: 25 years old, Nationality: Namibian I have an educational background in electrical engineering that has allowed me to gain industry experience and skills in the sector of transport, particularly electric-mobility transport. In so doing, I have also managed to gain the following skills, which have been complimentary to my skills in electrical engineering but also to the development of the startup: Skills: a) Business financial management; b) Project management; c) Strategic thinking; d) Business acumen

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

https://www.cleantech-nam.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Clean and accessible water is extremely hard to come by, especially with water scarcity due to drought. If clean water is eventually obtained, it comes at a significant economic burden on the family. An affordable water filter can help reduce this burden on families and, thus communities as a whole.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

Access to clean drinking water will in fact reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, thus improving overall health and reducing the chances of waterborne diseases

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

This project will directly address the extreme need for safe, affordable and reliable drinking water for the people of Namibia, ensuring access to clean water and also providing improved sanitation and hygiene in rural communities and peri-urban communities.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

The main vision of the startup is to provide the youth with a chance to gain industry experience through innovative projects like these and through training on how to conduct similar innovative projects, especially with the youth unemployment rate sitting at just over 35% in Namibia.

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

The vision for this project is quite long term, especially regarding the lack of industry in the country. So through innovating and providing these sustainable active-charcoal water filters, the startup supports the development of resilient infrastructure while promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, thus, in the long term, the country’s manufacturing industry can grow.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Providing affordable water filtration devices helps bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, reducing inequalities in access to essential services such as clean drinking water.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Ensures that rural and potentially peri-urban communities have access to clean water, contributing to more sustainable and resilient living surroundings.

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

The promotion of sustainable consumption habits by encouraging the use of reusable active charcoal water filtration systems/devices, reducing dependence on single-use plastic bottles, and minimizing waste.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Minimizing the pollution of natural water bodies that are a source of water and soil by ensuring contaminants are filtered out before water is consumed.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

6

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.

2

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our distinctive value proposition is to provide reasonably priced, locally made activated charcoal water filters that are intended especially for Namibia's rural areas. Our solution ensures optimal performance by being customised to the specific water conditions of the area, unlike typical filters. We use eco-friendly methods, like a return-and-refill program and recyclable materials, to cut expenses and lessen our negative influence on the environment. Furthermore, our regional production boosts the economy and generates jobs, and our community outreach programs foster confidence and guarantee that our products satisfy regional demands. We stand out in the market because our filters not only deliver clean water but also support social and economic growth.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In Namibia, our water filters offer a competitive advantage by providing an affordable, locally-sourced solution to clean drinking water. Many rural areas struggle with access to safe water, and our activated charcoal filters are designed to be effective, low-cost, and easy to use. By producing and distributing locally, we reduce costs and create jobs, particularly for youth. Our focus on sustainability and community engagement builds trust and loyalty. Taurus Maintenance Products Namibia is a company that provides ceramic water filters, which are rather complex to maintain and quite delicate, compared to charcoal filters.

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

No.