Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are a tech-driven agribusiness startup working at the intersection of agriculture, distribution and agro-processing. We help African smallholder farmers eliminate post-harvest losses through value addition, market linkage, and product visibility.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We serve as the vital link between smallholder farmers and the market, prioritizing sustainability and empowerment. We empower farmers with essential skills and ensure fair compensation for their produce. We also enhance the visibility of their products to a wide range of buyers seeking fresh supplies. Additionally, we extend the shelf life of these products through value addition. By leveraging technology, we simplify sourcing, payment, data management, and distribution, enabling farmers to reduce costs, boost revenue, and minimize food waste along the supply chain.

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

Namibia imports over 80% of its food yet struggles to unlock the potential of its agribusiness ecosystem for smallholder farmers. About 90% of these farmers lack access to lucrative and formal markets, despite approximately 70% of the population relying on agriculture for income, particularly in rural areas. Smallholder farmers face challenges in accessing profitable urban markets, leading to substantial post-harvest losses and unfair compensation. Limited market access, inefficient distribution channels, and inadequate storage facilities are major obstacles. These challenges prevent farmers from fully benefiting from the agribusiness ecosystem, hindering economic growth and sustainability.

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

1. Increased market access for farmers, 2. Reduced post-harvest losses for farmers, 3. Empowerment through technology since farmers have access to crucial data and digital skills are developed.

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

1. Farmers, 2. Informal Vendors and Traders, 3. Agro-processors, Retailers, 4. Food Distributors, 5. Catering Companies, 6. Hotels and Lodges, 7. Bulk Individual Buyers.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

1. Maria Shilongo (Educator, Farmer, community development enthusiast and the current Administrative Head of Mepya) 2. Clemens Nuunyango (Finance and banking background, qualified software developer, part-time farmer, and youth development enthusiast) 3. Wilbard Lazarus (Final year Cyber Security student, Mobile App Developer, farmer, and current in-house software developer)

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

https://www.mepya.com, https://www.facebook.com/MepyaKart/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing smallholder farmers with market access and fair compensation for their produce, MEPYA helps increase their income levels, contributing to poverty alleviation in rural areas.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

MEPYA reduces post-harvest losses and enhances the availability and quality of food through value addition and efficient distribution, ensuring more consistent and reliable food supplies.

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

Simplify the accessibility of nutritious food to people that need them the most.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We empower farming communities and smallholder farmers of which the majority are women and young people including girls.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

N/A

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

By supporting smallholder farmers and promoting agribusiness, MEPYA creates employment opportunities and fosters economic growth in agricultural communities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

MEPYA leverages technology to optimize farming practices, logistics, and market linkages, driving innovation and improving infrastructure within the agricultural sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

N/A

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

MEPYA promotes sustainable farming practices and efficient resource use, reducing food waste and encouraging responsible production and consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

MEPYA supports the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies that help farmers adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, enhancing resilience.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

By partnering with financial institutions, agricultural organizations, and local communities, MEPYA fosters cooperation and shared efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals.

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.

3

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

By combining innovative technology, comprehensive support services, climate resilience strategies, strong market linkages, and a focus on community and youth empowerment, MEPYA stands out as a leader in transforming the agricultural landscape and driving sustainable development for smallholder farmers in Namibia and beyond.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Fudlink, Tololi Market, and Farm Fresh. What makes us unique is the fact that MEPYA’s digital platform provides an all-in-one solution for farmers, including market access, financial services, training, and value addition. This integrated approach streamlines operations and maximizes benefits for farmers.

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

MEPYA is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs through targeted training programs, including entrepreneurship workshops and agribusiness training. We offer mentorship programs and organize networking events to connect women with experienced mentors and industry leaders. These initiatives promote economic empowerment, gender equality, and community development, fostering an inclusive environment where female entrepreneurs can thrive.