Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

BelleVolt empowers rural Nigerian women & girls with innovative solar kiosks & clean cooking solutions. Our project harnesses renewable energy to enhance livelihoods, promote gender equality, & reduce emissions, driving sustainable, transformative impacts

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

BelleVolt is dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of individuals in energy poverty in Nigeria and beyond through innovative clean energy solutions. Our mission is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls by enhancing connectivity and accessibility. At the forefront of our offerings are solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives designed to empower communities, promote sustainability, uplift lives, and foster environmental stewardship. The inspiration for BelleVolt came from witnessing a woman selling instant noodles on the roadside, using 2 diesel generators. The noise and fumes were overwhelming. This moment highlighted the urgent need for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. Our mission is rooted in addressing such disenfranchisement, focusing on empowering women and girls, enhancing their livelihoods, and providing sustainable energy access for their families and communities.

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

The main problem BelleVolt is addressing is the market disenfranchisement caused by lack of energy access, with a focus on the widespread use of traditional cooking methods and the unreliability of electricity in Nigeria. As of 2022, over 60% of Nigeria's population lacked reliable electricity, and traditional cooking practices led to significant indoor air pollution, causing around 98,000 premature deaths yearly. Energy poverty disproportionately impacts women and girls, exacerbating gender inequalities and increasing their vulnerability to climate change. By providing solar kiosks and clean cooking solutions, BelleVolt aims to empower women, improve health outcomes, enhance economic opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability. Our mission is to provide reliable, clean energy solutions that drive social and economic growth while addressing climate change impacts on the most vulnerable populations.

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

1. Energy Access and Security: Our solutions provide consistent and sustainable energy, reducing energy poverty and enhancing community resilience and security. This creates a ripple effect, enabling better education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. 2. Health and Environmental Benefits: By reducing reliance on traditional cooking methods and fossil fuels, our solutions decrease harmful emissions and indoor air pollution, leading to improved health outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability. 3. Empowerment and Economic Growth: BelleVolt’s solar kiosks and clean cooking solutions provide reliable energy access, enabling women and girls to pursue economic opportunities, improve productivity, and reduce time spent on fuel collection. This fosters community development and enhances overall economic growth. 4. Climate Resilience: Our clean energy solutions contribute to reducing carbon footprints, combating climate change, and promoting a greener, more sustainable future.

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

BelleVolt's products and services are primarily aimed at underserved and energy-deprived communities in Nigeria, with a particular focus on women and girls. Our solar kiosks and clean cooking solutions are designed to benefit women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and households in rural and peri-urban areas. These individuals often lack reliable electricity and are heavily dependent on traditional cooking methods, which pose health and environmental risks.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-25

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?

1

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

Our co-director is a non-executive director and her primary purpose is to satisfy regulatory requirements. However, she has a rich and diverse skillset, combining academic rigour with editorial expertise. With a first-class MScR in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh, she has honed her research skills, particularly in African and diasporic literature, with aspirations for a PhD. Her early educational research was showcased in a student-staff partnered book published by Palgrave Macmillan, highlighting her academic dedication. Professionally, she has extensive experience in the editorial division at Visual Talent Publishers, the home of renowned publications such as Wonderland Magazine, Rollacoaster, and Man About Town. She has written feature and editorial pieces on key figures in music and fashion for both print and online platforms. Additionally, she has copywritten press releases for high-profile clients including Gucci Beauty, Benefit, and Louis Vuitton.

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

https://bellevolt.com; BelleVolt on LinkedIn and instagram

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

We provide affordable and sustainable energy solutions, which directly enhance economic opportunities and improve livelihoods. Our solar kiosks empower women entrepreneurs, fostering economic independence and community development. By delivering reliable electricity, we enable market access and business growth, reducing income inequalities. Our clean cooking alternatives improve health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs for families. Our initiatives collectively alleviate poverty, ensuring that communities thrive and have the necessary tools for sustained economic advancement.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our initiatives empower entrepreneurs in numerous sectors, formal and informal. As more women are more empowered and educated, their sources of income increase, leading to more money to feed themselves and their families. Further, our solar kiosks have the capability to enable women farmers to power irrigation systems, refrigeration units, and reduce post-harvest losses. By improving food preservation and storage, BelleVolt helps maintain food quality, reduce waste and assure food security. With reliable energy, there will be a reduction in hunger.

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

We provide affordable and clean energy solutions that enhance the health and living conditions of underserved communities. Traditional cooking methods, prevalent in over 80% of Nigerian homes, release harmful pollutants leading to respiratory issues and premature deaths. By offering clean cooking alternatives, BelleVolt drastically reduces indoor air pollution, improving respiratory health and reducing mortality rates. Moreover, our solar kiosks provide reliable electricity, ensuring better access to healthcare facilities and services, which is crucial for maternal and child health. With cleaner energy, communities can power health clinics and refrigerate essential medicines, directly combating the spread of diseases and improving overall health outcomes. Our initiatives foster a healthier environment, essential for combating vector-borne diseases currently being exacerbated by climate change, thereby enhancing the well-being of women, children, and entire communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

With reliable energy, communities can power schools and access information, which leads to enhanced educational opportunities through connectivity. Additionally, our target audience now has access to more money it means that they are able to spend some of it on education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

BelleVolt is steadfastly committed to advancing SDG Goal 5, by empowering women and girls through our clean energy solutions. Our primary focus is on providing affordable solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives that directly benefit women, who are traditionally responsible for household energy needs. By reducing the reliance on harmful traditional cooking methods, we significantly improve women's health and well-being, freeing them from daily exposure to indoor air pollution. Access to reliable electricity through our solar kiosks enables women to engage in economic activities, such as small-scale businesses, increasing their financial independence and fostering economic empowerment. Furthermore, with better access to energy, girls can devote more time to education rather than gathering fuel, thus promoting educational equality. Our initiatives create opportunities for women to become leaders in their communities, transforming societal norms and contributing to gender equality.

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

We are dedicated to advancing SDG Goal 7, by offering innovative, cost-effective solar energy solutions tailored for underserved communities in Nigeria and beyond. Our solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives are designed to provide reliable, sustainable energy access to households and small businesses, significantly reducing dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels. Using solar power, we not only cut energy costs but also mitigate the environmental impact associated with traditional energy sources. Our affordable energy solutions empower communities, enabling economic growth, improved quality of life and fostering sustainability through training. Through our efforts, we ensure that clean energy is not a luxury but a fundamental right accessible to all, thereby contributing to a greener, more equitable future. By addressing the energy needs of the underserved, we are encouraging widespread adoption of renewable energy, driving progress towards universal energy access.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives empower women and girls, providing them with reliable energy to start and grow small businesses, thus encouraging economic independence and resilience. By reducing energy costs and enhancing productivity, we enable households to save money and invest in other income-generating activities. Additionally, our focus on local employment and skills development ensures that community members, particularly women, are trained and employed in the installation, maintenance, and operation of our solutions. This not only provides decent jobs but also builds local capacity and fosters long-term economic growth. By promoting entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, BelleVolt contributes to a thriving, sustainable economy, in which everyone has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from economic progress. Our initiatives align with broader efforts to drive sustainable development and reduce poverty.

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

Our solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives embrace renewable energy, reducing reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources and promoting sustainable industrial practices. By providing reliable, off-grid power solutions, we enable small businesses and local industries to operate efficiently, fostering economic growth and industrial development. Our focus on innovation extends to designing cost-effective, user-friendly energy solutions that meet the unique needs of our target audience in rural communities, ensuring inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development. Additionally, BelleVolt invests in local capacity building, training individuals in the installation, maintenance, and operation of our solar systems, thus enhancing technical skills and creating jobs. Through these efforts, we are not only improving energy access but also supporting resilient infrastructure and developing a culture of innovation that drives long-term economic and industrial progress.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our solutions bridge the energy access gap, enabling equitable economic opportunities & improving quality of life for marginalised people. Our initiatives empower women entrepreneurs by promoting gender equality and economic inclusion, allowing them to run businesses, access education, & enhance their livelihoods. By investing in local capacity building, we create job opportunities and develop technical skills within the community, ensuring the benefits are widespread and inclusive. We also address geographical inequalities by bringing sustainable energy to rural & remote areas, often neglected in traditional energy infrastructure plans. BelleVolt’s devotion to inclusive growth ensures that even the most helpless communities can partake in & benefit from sustainable development, thereby reducing social and economic inequalities. Further, our efforts to reduce energy costs & improve health outcomes further contribute to leveling the playing field & helping to break the cycle of poverty.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

BelleVolt’s innovative clean energy solutions enhance urban and rural resilience and sustainability. Our solar kiosks and clean cooking alternatives offer reliable, off-grid power access, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing pollution in communities. Our kiosks support local businesses, improve public safety with better lighting, and foster social cohesion by creating communal hubs. Additionally, our clean cooking solutions significantly reduce indoor air pollution, improving health outcomes and living conditions. By improving energy infrastructure, we support the creation of resilient, energy-efficient cities that can better withstand environmental challenges. Further, integrating renewable energy into daily life helps build cities and communities that promote a higher quality of life, are environmentally responsible and prepared for future challenges, aligning with global sustainability goals.

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

Our solutions provide renewable energy alternatives that lower carbon footprints and minimise environmental impacts. By offering affordable and accessible solar energy, we reduce the demand for fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, our clean cooking solutions use biofuels derived from coconut waste, transforming agricultural by-products into valuable energy resources thus, promoting a circular economy. BelleVolt’s focus on local production and training ensures that communities adopt sustainable practices, fostering responsible consumption patterns. Through educational initiatives, we will raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of using sustainable resources. By integrating sustainable practices into daily life, we help communities transition to more environmentally friendly consumption and production methods, contributing to global efforts to achieve sustainable development.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

BelleVolt’s solutions significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. Our solar kiosks replace dependence on fossil fuels with clean solar energy, decreasing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable energy use. Our clean cooking solutions will utilise biofuel from coconut waste, cutting down on deforestation and reducing harmful emissions from traditional biomass cooking methods. By promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies, BelleVolt helps communities transition to sustainable energy practices. Additionally, we educate and empower communities on the importance of climate action, encouraging resilience against climate-related challenges. Through these initiatives, BelleVolt actively contributes to global efforts to combat climate change, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

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

4

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

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

BelleVolt’s business model leverages partnerships to enhance the reach and impact of our clean energy solutions. By working with NGOs, we ensure that our initiatives are aligned with community needs and receive the necessary implementation support. Collaborating with governments helps us integrate our projects into broader national and regional development plans, ensuring sustainability and scalability. Additionally, partnering with private companies through CSR projects enables us to access funding, technology, and expertise, maximising our impact. These partnerships will allow us to provide affordable and sustainable energy solutions to women and girls in underserved communities. By pooling resources and expertise, we enhance our capacity to address energy poverty, promote gender equality, and support climate action. Our collaborative approach ensures we are well-positioned to drive sustainable development and create a lasting positive impact.

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.

3

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

2

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.

5

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.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

At BelleVolt we strive to deliver innovative clean energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of underserved communities. Our solar kiosks and clean cooking solutions combine new technologies with sustainable practices to address unmet demands for reliable, affordable energy. Unlike conventional energy sources, our solar kiosks provide multifunctional energy hubs that support small businesses, enhance connectivity, and boost environmental sustainability. Our clean cooking solutions utilise biofuel from coconut waste, offering a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional cooking methods. This not only reduces harmful emissions but also leverages waste materials, promoting a circular economy. By focusing on the empowerment of women and girls, BelleVolt addresses specific socio-economic challenges that have long been neglected. Our innovations fill vital gaps in energy access and economic opportunity, driving sustainable development in regions that need it most.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

BelleVolt stands out from competitors like SoCool, Lumos Nigeria, and Solar Sister through its holistic approach to community empowerment and sustainability. We specifically target women and girls, providing solar kiosks that offer multifunctional services such as phone charging and digital applications, addressing broader community needs. Our clean cooking solutions use biofuel from coconut waste, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental waste. BelleVolt emphasizes local capacity building with comprehensive training programs, ensuring sustainable system maintenance and fostering community resilience. Additionally, our solutions significantly reduce harmful emissions, improving health outcomes. We prioritize local sourcing, respecting cultural customs, and integrating local leaders in our operations. This unique model not only provides clean energy but also drives socio-economic development, making a profound impact on the communities we serve.

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