Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Greenium Eco transitions rural/urban households in Northern Nigeria from polluting fuelwood to eco-friendly solutions. We offer clean cookstoves, locally manufactured to be efficient and safe, and also produce briquettes from agricultural wastes

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

More than 80% of energy usage in Nigeria, according to REA, is on firewoods which immensely release harmful pollutants and contribute significantly to deforestation. This not only harms the environment but also affects the health of people, especially women and children who have the sole responsibility of fetching the firewood from the bush, being exposed to indoor air pollutants (smoke), and being attacked by dangerous animals like snakes daily. Moreover, these fuels (firewood) can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain, reducing economic and social opportunities for these households.

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

According to the World Health Organization, 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to household air pollution, with 67% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Shockingly, approximately 75% of Nigeria’s 213 million people still rely on traditional cooking methods using firewood in poorly ventilated spaces. This practice affects women and children, leading to severe health issues and contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation. With over 160 million people in need of a safer, cleaner alternative, the urgency to act has never been greater.

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

We promote cleaner cooking solutions that reduce dependence on firewood, we combat deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion. This directly helps preserve natural ecosystems and their biodiversity. This switch to cleaner cooking methods leads to improved air quality, which benefits everyone's health, especially women and children who traditionally spend more time cooking and prevents them from being attacked by deadly animals like snakes from fetching firewoods in the woods. Our cleaner-burning cookstoves significantly reduce indoor air pollution, leading to a healthier environment for families. This is particularly important for women and children who traditionally spend more time cooking and are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses caused by smoke inhalation.

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

Our target beneficiaries are primarily low-income households, particularly women, children, and families living in rural areas of Northern Nigeria. These communities face significant health and environmental challenges due to indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods. By providing clean cooking technologies and alternative fuel sources, we aim to improve the health, well-being, and economic resilience of these marginalized groups. Our initiatives empower women by relieving them of the burden of collecting firewood, enabling them to pursue education and economic opportunities. Overall, our efforts benefit vulnerable populations while promoting sustainability and social equity.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-11-17

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.)

Hassan Said is passionate about making a difference in his community. He studied Chemistry at Bayero University Kano, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. With his background in science, Hassan is committed to finding practical solutions to environmental challenges. Hassan's expertise in chemistry equips him with the skills needed to address issues like deforestation and indoor air pollution in Northern Nigeria. He's dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and improving the lives of community members. With his passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement, Hassan is a driving force behind the startup's success.

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

https://www.greeniumeco.com

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

By offering affordable clean cookstoves and briquettes, we reduce household energy costs, allowing families to allocate resources to other essential needs, thereby helping lift them out of poverty. Affordable energy solutions lower the financial burden on low-income households, contributing to economic stability and reducing poverty levels. This means that families can spend their hard-earned money on other crucial aspects of their lives, such as education, healthcare, and nutrition, creating a ripple effect that enhances their overall quality of life.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

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

Our clean cookstoves emit zero pollutants, significantly reducing indoor air pollution and the risk of respiratory diseases. Cleaner cooking methods decrease exposure to harmful smoke, thereby improving respiratory health and overall well-being for families, especially women and children who spend more time near the cooking area. By mitigating these health risks, we help reduce healthcare costs and improve life expectancy, leading to healthier, more vibrant communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The time saved using our efficient cookstoves and briquettes allows children, particularly girls, more time to attend school and focus on their studies. By reducing the time spent collecting firewood and cooking, we enhance educational opportunities, contributing to higher attendance and academic performance. Education is a critical driver of social and economic development, and by supporting it, we help pave the way for future generations to achieve their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.

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 women by reducing their daily burden of gathering firewood, freeing up time for education, employment, and other activities. Alleviating the time and health burden associated with traditional cooking methods supports women’s empowerment and promotes gender equality. This enables women to participate more fully in economic and social activities, fostering an environment where they can contribute to and benefit from economic growth, and enhancing their status and opportunities in society.

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

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

By providing clean cookstoves and producing briquettes from agricultural waste, we ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. Promoting clean energy solutions helps to reduce dependence on firewood, fostering sustainable energy consumption practices. This transition not only protects the environment but also provides a stable and secure energy source for households, contributing to overall economic resilience and 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

The production and distribution of our clean cookstoves and briquettes create jobs and stimulate local economies. Our business model supports economic growth by creating employment opportunities and fostering local entrepreneurship. By investing in local communities and providing training and skills development, we help build a workforce that is capable, empowered, and ready to drive economic progress, ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our flexible payment options for clean cookstoves make them accessible to low-income families, reducing economic disparities. By making clean energy solutions affordable, we ensure that even the most disadvantaged communities can benefit from improved living conditions. This approach helps to level the playing field, providing equal opportunities for all households to improve their quality of life and achieve economic stability.

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

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

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The use of our eco-friendly cookstoves and sustainable briquettes reduces deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. By mitigating the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods, we support efforts to combat climate change. Our commitment to sustainability helps protect the planet for future generations, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging the adoption of practices that reduce carbon footprints and enhance ecological balance.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our initiatives help preserve forests by reducing the demand for firewood, thereby protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. Sustainable energy solutions contribute to forest conservation, preventing deforestation and promoting ecosystem health. By safeguarding these critical ecosystems, we ensure that wildlife thrives, natural resources are preserved, and communities continue to benefit from the services that healthy forests provide, such as clean air, water, and fertile soil.

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

4

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.

6

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.

6

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

6

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

5

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

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Greenium Eco stands out because we combine advanced eco-friendly technologies with innovative sustainability approaches. Even though there are similar products out there, what sets us apart is our commitment to reducing environmental impact and boosting efficiency. Our products represent a new kind of service, using cutting-edge green technologies to meet the needs of eco-conscious consumers. We don't just replicate what's already on the market; we improve upon existing products by integrating better sustainable practices and features. This makes our solutions more efficient and environmentally friendly. We also address unmet needs in the market, giving consumers new ways to reduce their ecological footprint.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In a market with companies like Brycoal, Envirofit, and Burnstoves, Greenium Eco stands out by focusing on affordability and local manufacturing. We produce clean cookstoves and briquettes in Nigeria, keeping costs low and supporting the local economy through job creation. 1. Unlike Brycoal, which focuses solely on briquettes, we offer both cookstoves and briquettes, providing a complete eco-friendly cooking solution that benefits health and the environment. 2. Unlike Envirofit and Burnstoves, whose products may not directly benefit local communities, we prioritize local impact. Our local manufacturing creates jobs and supports community growth, showcasing our commitment to people and the planet. We're not just another option; we bring affordability, local production, comprehensive solutions, and a strong commitment to community and environmental well-being.

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

The Northern Aurora is an initiative close to my heart. It's a platform I've established to uplift and support female entrepreneurs in our community. Through SheEmpowers, we provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help women navigate the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and success. Our goal is to create a supportive ecosystem where female entrepreneurs can thrive, grow their businesses, and make a positive impact. Together, we're breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial landscape.