Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Alif Energy is manufacturer of briquettes Producing briquettes from Agri by-products & weeds to distribute clean energy for household and Industrial consumer.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Alif Energy is a locally founded startup company in 2022 at Awash Ethiopia. Startup company is working on manufacturing and Agriculture industry. in energy sector by manufacturing briquettes and forestry and farming sector. Producing briquettes from weeds(prosopis), agri byproducts & waste. to distribute affordable & clean energy for household and Industrial consumer. In Afar and Somali Region Prosopis cover 1.8-million-hectare land this affected land and More than 2 million pastoralists are victims. Because the land used for grazing was invaded by this weed. on the other hand, this weed has a high water absorption capacity, In the Afar region alone, more than 3.1 billion cubic meters of water is wasted every year due to weeds, It is causing serious damage. as I develops the product using this weed, it solves many problems and brings many advantages. In the next 10 years, I plans to build 20 factories in different Region & produce four million tons of briquettes. in addition,

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

According to studies, more than 0.21 mil metric tons of charcoal is produced in Ethiopia annually. About 70% of product is supplied to the urban market. This is contributing negatively to deforestation and climate change. My startup working on this critical problem. In Afar and Somali Region Prosopis cover 1.8-million-hectare land this affected pastoralists and even land More than 2 million pastoralists are victims. Because the land used for grazing was invaded by this weed. On the other hand, this weed has a high water absorption capacity, In the Afar region alone, more than 3.1 billion, cubic meters of water is wasted every year due to weeds.

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

Our briquettes are made from prosopis, an invasive weed, and agricultural by-products, making them a unique and eco-friendly solution that addresses both energy needs and environmental issues. - We offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional fuels, which is critical for both household and industrial consumers. - Our commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that our briquettes burn longer and cleaner than traditional charcoal and firewood.

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

Urban Residents: People living in cities who need a reliable and clean energy source for cooking and heating. These consumers often face challenges due to the high cost and environmental impact of traditional charcoal. Small and Medium Enterprises: that require a consistent and eco-friendly fuel source for their operations. Afar and Somali Region Pastoralists: Individuals affected by the invasive prosopis weed, which depletes grazing land and water resources. By harvesting prosopis for briquette production, the project provides a solution to reclaim their land for grazing and agriculture. Farmers: Those who can supply agricultural by-products for briquette production, providing them with an additional source of income. By addressing the needs of these diverse groups, my startup not only provides a sustainable energy solution but also supports environmental conservation and economic development in the regions I serve.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-02-14

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

Only me

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

https://alif.et

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

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

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

Justification for Contribution to Affordable and Clean Energy Goal: Alif Energy strongly contributes to affordable and clean energy by producing briquettes from invasive prosopis weeds and agricultural by-products. Our briquettes offer a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal, reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. This clean energy solution is cost-effective, providing an affordable energy source for households and industries. By utilizing renewable materials, we ensure a consistent supply without depleting natural resources. Our process helps restore grazing lands, supporting the livelihoods of pastoralists and enhancing local economies. Additionally, removing water-absorbing prosopis improves water conservation. Through these efforts, we provide an eco-friendly, affordable energy option that addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges, aligning with global clean energy goals.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

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

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

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

Alif Energy strongly contributes to responsible consumption and production by converting invasive prosopis weeds and agricultural by-products into briquettes. This sustainable practice minimizes waste and promotes efficient use of resources that would otherwise be discarded or cause environmental harm. Our briquettes provide a clean alternative to traditional charcoal, reducing deforestation and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By addressing the prosopis invasion, we restore grazing lands and enhance water conservation. Our approach supports local economies by creating jobs and providing an affordable, eco-friendly energy source. Through these efforts, we promote sustainable production methods and encourage responsible consumption patterns, aligning with global sustainability goals.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Justification for Contribution to Climate Action Goal: Alif Energy strongly contributes to climate action by producing briquettes from invasive prosopis weeds and agricultural by-products, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional charcoal and fossil fuels. Our process mitigates deforestation, preserving forests that sequester carbon. Harvesting prosopis, which disrupts ecosystems and depletes water resources, helps restore ecological balance and conserves water. By providing a sustainable and affordable energy source, we decrease reliance on non-renewable energy, promoting a transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, our efforts support local communities' resilience and adaptation to climate change by ensuring reliable energy access and improving land productivity. Through these measures, we align with global climate action goals by reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, and enhancing community resilience.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

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

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

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.

3

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

4

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.

5

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

4

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

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main Potential Competitors and Our Distinction: Our main competitors are traditional charcoal producers and other briquette manufacturers. Traditional charcoal producers dominate the market but contribute to significant deforestation and carbon emissions. Other briquette manufacturers often rely on different raw materials, such as sawdust or crop residues. What sets Alif Energy apart is our unique use of invasive prosopis weeds and agricultural by-products. This not only provides a sustainable energy source but also addresses ecological and socio-economic challenges by restoring grazing lands and conserving water. Additionally, our briquettes offer a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional charcoal, significantly reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities. Our holistic approach to resource utilization, environmental restoration, and community support makes us distinct in the clean energy sector.

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