Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Replast Engineering empowers women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with access to clean, affordable solar energy solutions, enabling them to increase productivity, income, and climate resilience.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Replast Engineering is a social enterprise that provides customized solar energy solutions and support services to women-led small businesses in Nigeria. We recognized that these entrepreneurs often face significant barriers to accessing reliable, affordable electricity, which limits their ability to grow their businesses and support their families. To address this challenge, we've developed a holistic approach that includes: 1. Conducting energy audits to design tailored solar systems for each business's needs 2. Installing and maintaining high-quality solar equipment to ensure optimal performance 3. Providing affordable financing options, such as pay-as-you-go and microloans 4. Offering technical and business training to maximize the benefits of the solar systems Through our work, we aim to not only increase access to clean energy but also to promote women's economic empowerment, stimulate local economies, and contribute to Nigeria's climate change mitigation efforts.

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

The main problem Replast Engineering is trying to solve is the lack of access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy for women-led small businesses in Nigeria. This issue stems from several factors, including: 1. Inadequate and unreliable grid electricity, with frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations 2. High cost of alternative energy sources, such as diesel generators, which can consume up to 40% of a business's revenue 3. Limited access to financing for clean energy technologies, particularly for women entrepreneurs who often lack collateral or credit history These challenges not only hinder the growth and productivity of women-led businesses but also perpetuate gender inequalities and contribute to environmental degradation through the use of fossil fuels. By addressing this multifaceted problem, Replast Engineering aims to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs as drivers of sustainable development and climate action in Nigeria.

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

The major benefits and advantages of using Replast Engineering's solar energy solutions include: 1. Increased productivity and income: With reliable, 24/7 electricity from solar power, women-led businesses can extend their operating hours, improve the quality of their products and services, and take on more customers. This can lead to a 30-50% increase in income and job creation. 2. Cost savings and energy independence: By switching from expensive diesel generators to affordable solar systems, businesses can reduce their energy costs by up to 70%. Our pay-as-you-go financing model also allows them to spread the cost over time and eventually own their own power source, enhancing their financial stability and resilience. 3. Environmental and health benefits: Solar energy is clean, renewable, and non-polluting, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to Nigeria's climate change mitigation targets.

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

Replast Engineering's solar energy solutions are specifically aimed at serving women-led small businesses in Nigeria. These include: 1.Micro and small enterprises in sectors such as retail, agriculture, food processing and services, which are often run by women from low-income and underserved communities 2. Women entrepreneurs who lack access to reliable, affordable electricity and are forced to rely on expensive, polluting alternatives like diesel generators 3. Businesses that are located in off-grid or under-electrified areas, where the national grid is inadequate or non-existent 4. Women-led cooperatives and associations that can benefit from collective solar energy solutions and peer support networks In addition to these direct beneficiaries, our solutions also indirectly benefit: Families and employees of women-led businesses, who gain access to better working conditions, increased job security, and potential for higher wages.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-01-31

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

Our CFO Jennifer Johnson has over 3 years of social impact financing experience specifically within renewable electrification projects across Nigeria. She brings vital fundraising, capital efficiency and governance rigor. Our CTO Prince Azu leverages his 4+ years specializing in mechatronics and pioneering IoT applications for mini-grid management in Nigeria. His technology leadership enhances quality assurance and impact measurement capabilities.

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

https://replastengineering.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

Replast Engineering's solar solutions enable women entrepreneurs to increase their productivity, income, and resilience, helping to lift them and their families out of poverty. By providing affordable, reliable electricity, we empower these businesses to grow, create jobs, and stimulate local economies, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction in underserved communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

While not directly focused on food security, our solar-powered irrigation and cold storage solutions can help improve food production and reduce post-harvest losses.

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

Replast Engineering's solar solutions promote health and well-being by reducing reliance on polluting diesel generators. This improves air quality, reduces noise pollution, and minimizes the risk of respiratory illnesses for entrepreneurs, their families, and communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering is specifically focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality. By providing tailored solar solutions and support services to women-led businesses, we help address the unique barriers they face in accessing energy and growing their enterprises. Our work directly contributes to increasing women's economic participation, decision-making power, and overall empowerment.

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

Replast Engineering's core mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and clean solar energy solutions to underserved communities. By replacing expensive and polluting diesel generators with cost-effective solar systems, we make sustainable energy accessible to women-led businesses that previously lacked access. Our pay-as-you-go financing model further enhances affordability and promotes widespread adoption of clean energy.

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

Replast Engineering promotes decent work and economic growth by supporting the productivity, profitability, and job creation potential of women-led businesses. With reliable solar power, these enterprises can increase their output, improve working conditions, and hire more employees. Additionally, our solutions stimulate local economies by creating green jobs in solar installation, maintenance, and sales.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering contributes to building resilient, sustainable infrastructure by providing decentralized solar energy systems. Our innovative approach, which includes remote monitoring and pay-as-you-go financing, represents a new model for delivering energy services to underserved communities. By fostering the growth of women-led businesses, we also support inclusive industrialization.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering helps reduce inequalities by focusing on underserved women entrepreneurs and communities that have been traditionally excluded from access to energy and economic opportunities. By providing affordable, reliable solar solutions and support services, we help level the playing field and enable these businesses to compete and thrive, ultimately reducing income and gender disparities.

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

While Replast Engineering primarily serves businesses in peri-urban and rural areas, our solutions contribute to making communities more sustainable and resilient. By providing clean energy alternatives to diesel generators, we reduce air pollution, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering promotes responsible consumption and production by providing sustainable, renewable energy solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Our solar systems are designed for longevity, efficiency, and ease of maintenance, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal performance over time. Additionally, we prioritize local procurement and capacity building to enhance the sustainability of our supply chain and operations.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering takes direct action to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the deployment of solar energy systems. By replacing diesel generators with clean, renewable power, we help mitigate the carbon footprint of women-led businesses and contribute to Nigeria's climate goals. To date, our solutions have abated over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

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

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

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

Replast Engineering strongly believes in the power of partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We actively collaborate with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies and financial institutions to scale our impact and create an enabling environment for women's entrepreneurship and clean energy access.

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Replast Engineering's solar solutions are innovative in several key ways: 1. Customization: Unlike many off-the-shelf solar products, we design and install tailored systems based on each customer's specific energy needs, business requirements, and site conditions. 2. Financing: We have developed unique financing models, such as pay-as-you-go, that make solar adoption affordable and accessible for underserved women entrepreneurs. By partnering with microfinance institutions, we enable flexible payments and reduce upfront costs. 3. Smart monitoring: Our solar systems are equipped with IoT sensors and cloud-based monitoring platforms, allowing us to remotely track performance, diagnose issues, and optimize maintenance. This enhances system reliability, reduces downtime, and improves customer service. 4. Gender focus: We are one of the few solar companies that specifically targets and designs for the needs of women entrepreneurs.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are solar installation companies like Sunfy, Kodartech and Darwa Technologies, but what sets Replast Engineering apart is our holistic, customer-centric approach. We differentiate ourselves through: 1. Deep understanding of the needs and challenges of women entrepreneurs, gained through extensive on-the-ground research and engagement. 2. Customized solar system design and installation, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction. 3. Innovative financing options that make solar adoption affordable and accessible, even for low-income customers. 4. Comprehensive training and after-sales support, empowering women with the skills and confidence to maintain and benefit from their solar systems. 5. Commitment to gender equality and social impact, with a business model that prioritizes women's economic empowerment and community development.

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

Replast Engineering actively promotes female entrepreneurship in our community through initiatives such as our Women in Solar Entrepreneurship Program, which provides comprehensive training and mentorship; Female Entrepreneur Energy Clinics, which offer education on solar solutions and financing; a network of Women's Clean Energy Ambassadors who serve as advocates and mentors; and the development of a gender-inclusive supply chain that partners with women-owned businesses. Through these actions, we aim to empower women entrepreneurs, drive systemic change, and create a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.