Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ahadu Solar Ice Maker is a social enterprise that manufactures affordable and sustainable solar-powered ice maker machines to improve food preservation and reduce waste for agricultural products in Ethiopia.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Ahadu Solar Ice Maker is a social enterprise founded in 2024 that manufactures affordable and sustainable solar-powered ice maker machines. The enterprise was established to address the challenges of inadequate cooling and preservation faced by small-scale farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural communities in Ethiopia. The key features of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker include the utilization of solar energy to produce ice for cooling and preservation of agricultural products, dairy, and fisheries. The solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable cooling option compared to conventional technologies, while also being environmentally friendly by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Importantly, the ice maker technology improves profitability and extends the shelf-life of agricultural produce, thereby reducing post-harvest losses.

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

The main problem that Ahadu Solar Ice Maker is trying to address is the inadequate cooling and preservation of agricultural products in rural and semi-urban areas of Ethiopia. Small-scale farmers, cooperatives, and rural communities often face significant challenges in maintaining the quality and freshness of their produce due to the lack of reliable and affordable cooling solutions. In Ethiopia, post-harvest losses of perishable agricultural products can reach up to 30-40% due to the limited access to effective cooling and storage facilities, particularly in remote areas with unreliable or non-existent electricity grids. This leads to significant economic losses for farmers and contributes to food insecurity, as large quantities of valuable produce go to waste before reaching consumers.

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

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker offers several major benefits and advantages to its target customers in Ethiopia's agricultural and related sectors. Firstly, the solar-powered ice maker technology provides a reliable and sustainable cooling solution that extends the shelf-life of agricultural products, dairy, and fisheries, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and minimizing waste. Secondly, the enterprise's solution is more cost-effective and affordable compared to traditional cooling methods, particularly in off-grid or rural areas where access to reliable electricity is limited, as the use of solar energy eliminates the need for expensive and environmentally harmful fossil fuels. Thirdly, the modular design of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker allows for easy scalability to meet the varying cooling demands of different customers, ensuring that the solution is adaptable and responsive to the diverse requirements of small farms, large cooperatives, or small businesses.

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

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's primary targeted beneficiaries are small-scale farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural communities in Ethiopia. Specifically, the enterprise's solar-powered ice maker technology is designed to serve individual smallholder farmers, enabling them to extend the shelf-life of their produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve their overall profitability and livelihoods. The scalable and modular ice maker technology also caters to the cooling needs of larger agricultural cooperatives, which aggregate and market the produce of their member farmers, helping to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain. Additionally, the enterprise's sustainable and affordable cooling system is particularly well-suited for remote and off-grid rural communities, where access to reliable electricity and conventional cooling solutions is limited.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-01

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?

2

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

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker startup is led by a diverse and experienced team of founders. CEO Aschale Getnet has over 7 years of experience in the solar energy industry and holds a Master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering. COO Miss Senait Bayih has a background in supply chain management, with extensive experience working with smallholder farmers and cooperatives. CFO Miss Yabsira Mulugeta is a certified public accountant with over 2 years of experience in financial management and business consulting. Together, this skilled and knowledgeable team is well-equipped to drive the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission of transforming the agricultural landscape in Ethiopia through sustainable and affordable cooling solutions.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's core offering directly addresses the critical challenge of post-harvest food loss, which is a major contributor to food insecurity in Ethiopia. By providing reliable and affordable cooling solutions powered by renewable solar energy, the enterprise enables smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives to extend the shelf-life of their perishable produce. This helps reduce waste and spoilage, ensuring a greater proportion of the harvest reaches consumers in good condition. Furthermore, the enterprise's technology empowers farmers to achieve better prices for their crops by allowing them to store and sell their produce at more advantageous times, rather than being forced to sell immediately after harvest when prices are typically low. This, in turn, leads to increased incomes for smallholder farmers, which can be reinvested to improve their farming practices, access better inputs, and enhance their overall livelihoods.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker directly addresses the issue of post-harvest food loss, a major contributor to food insecurity in Ethiopia. By providing reliable and affordable solar-powered cooling solutions, the enterprise enables smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives to significantly reduce waste and spoilage of perishable crops. This ensures a greater proportion of the harvest reaches consumers in good condition, thereby improving food availability and accessibility. Furthermore, the enterprise's technology empowers farmers to achieve better prices for their crops by allowing them to store and sell their produce at more advantageous times. This increase in farmer incomes can be reinvested to improve agricultural practices, access better inputs, and enhance overall productivity. By boosting the profitability and resilience of smallholder farming, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker supports the livelihoods of rural communities and contributes to sustainable food systems.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's cooling technology plays a vital role in improving health and well-being outcomes in Ethiopia's rural communities. By enabling the preservation of perishable agricultural products, the enterprise's solar-powered ice makers help mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses and nutrient loss, which are major contributors to poor health and malnutrition. Through the reduction of post-harvest losses, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker ensures a more consistent and reliable supply of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other produce. This improved access to fresh, high-quality food helps address the pressing challenges of food insecurity and undernutrition, which are closely linked to a range of health issues, including stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's innovative cooling solutions have the potential to indirectly support the provision of quality education in Ethiopia's rural communities. By helping to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmer incomes, the enterprise's technology can enhance the overall economic and food security conditions in these areas, which are crucial determinants of educational outcomes. Improved household food security and increased farmer incomes can enable families to better afford educational expenses, such as school fees, supplies, and transportation. This, in turn, can lead to higher enrollment rates, improved attendance, and reduced dropout levels, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's design and implementation approach are intentionally centered on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. Recognizing the critical role that women play in smallholder farming and food production, the enterprise has deliberately included women in the development and deployment of its innovative cooling solutions. This ensures that the technology is responsive to the specific needs and challenges faced by female farmers, who often bear the brunt of post-harvest losses and lack access to productive resources.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's design and implementation approach are intentionally centered on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. Recognizing the critical role that women play in smallholder farming and food production, the enterprise has deliberately included women in the development and deployment of its innovative cooling solutions. This ensures that the technology is responsive to the specific needs and challenges faced by female farmers, who often bear the brunt of post-harvest losses and lack access to productive resources. By taking this intentional, gender-inclusive approach, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker is actively working to empower women in Ethiopia's agricultural sector and advance the goal of gender equality. The enterprise's actions demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing the unique barriers and challenges faced by female farmers.

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

At the core of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's operations is the utilization of renewable solar energy to power its innovative cooling technology. By leveraging solar power, the enterprise is able to provide an affordable and clean energy solution that is particularly well-suited for off-grid and energy-deficient rural communities in Ethiopia. The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's use of solar energy helps to address the significant energy access challenges faced by many smallholder farmers and rural households in the country. In these areas, the lack of reliable and affordable electricity can severely limit the ability to store and preserve agricultural produce, leading to high levels of post-harvest losses and negatively impacting food security and farmer incomes.

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

My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth Bot image for Assistant Assistant Poe Here's how the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker startup contributes to the goal of decent work and economic growth: At the heart of Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission is the pursuit of inclusive economic development and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers in rural Ethiopia. By providing access to innovative cooling solutions, the enterprise aims to unlock new opportunities for decent work and increased productivity within the agricultural sector. One of the key ways Ahadu contributes to decent work is by generating direct employment opportunities along its value chain. The enterprise hires and trains local technicians to install, operate, and maintain the solar-powered ice makers, providing stable and dignified job opportunities in communities where formal employment options are often scarce.

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

At the core of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's operations is its innovative solar-powered cooling technology, which addresses critical infrastructure gaps and drives advancements in the agricultural sector of rural Ethiopia. The enterprise's solar ice makers represent a significant technological breakthrough, as they provide an affordable and reliable cooling solution in areas with limited or unreliable access to electricity. This innovative approach helps to fill an important infrastructure void, as the lack of reliable cold storage and preservation facilities has been a longstanding challenge for smallholder farmers in many developing regions.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

At its core, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission is centered on addressing the persistent socioeconomic inequalities that exist within Ethiopia's agricultural sector, particularly the disparities faced by smallholder farmers and rural communities. One of the key ways the enterprise works to reduce inequalities is by targeting its innovative cooling solutions towards marginalized and underserved populations. The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker deliberately focuses on serving off-grid, remote rural areas where access to reliable electricity and post-harvest storage infrastructure is severely limited.

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

My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal Bot image for Assistant Assistant Poe Here's how the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker startup contributes to the goal of sustainable cities and communities: At the heart of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission is a deep commitment to supporting the development of sustainable, resilient communities in rural Ethiopia. By providing innovative, solar-powered cooling solutions to smallholder farmers, the enterprise is addressing critical infrastructure gaps and enabling more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally-conscious growth. One of the primary ways the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker contributes to sustainable cities and communities is by enhancing food security and reducing post-harvest losses. The lack of reliable cold storage and preservation facilities has been a longstanding challenge for many rural farming communities, leading to significant wastage of fresh produce and instability in local food supplies.

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

At the core of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's operations is a deep commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible practices within Ethiopia's agricultural sector. By providing innovative, solar-powered cooling solutions to smallholder farmers, the enterprise addresses critical infrastructure gaps while simultaneously fostering more sustainable production and consumption patterns. One of the primary ways the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker contributes to responsible consumption and production is by reducing post-harvest losses and food waste. The lack of reliable cold storage and preservation facilities has historically led to significant wastage of fresh produce in many rural farming communities, with estimates suggesting that up to 40% of harvested crops can be lost due to spoilage.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

At the heart of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission is a deep commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change through innovative, sustainable solutions. By providing solar-powered cooling technology to smallholder farmers in rural Ethiopia, the enterprise is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience within agricultural communities that are disproportionately affected by the impacts of a changing climate. One of the primary ways the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker contributes to climate action is through its focus on renewable energy infrastructure. By powering its cooling solutions with solar energy, the enterprise significantly reduces its reliance on fossil fuels and grid-connected electricity, which can be both environmentally-damaging and unreliable in many rural areas.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

While the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's primary focus is on supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing food security in rural Ethiopia, its innovative technology and sustainable business practices also have important implications for the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. One of the key ways the enterprise contributes to "Life Below Water" is through its focus on reducing food waste and post-harvest losses. The lack of reliable cold storage and preservation facilities has historically led to significant wastage of fresh produce in many rural farming communities, with estimates suggesting that up to 40% of harvested crops can be lost due to spoilage.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

At the core of the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker's mission is a commitment to supporting the livelihoods and food security of smallholder farmers in rural Ethiopia, a population that is deeply reliant on the health and productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. By providing these communities with innovative, sustainable cooling solutions, the enterprise is actively working to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems and the natural environments that underpin them. One of the primary ways the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker contributes to "Life on Land" is through its focus on reducing post-harvest losses and food waste. The lack of reliable cold storage and preservation facilities has historically led to significant losses of fresh produce in many rural farming communities, with up to 40% of harvested crops being lost due to spoilage.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

One of the key ways the enterprise contributes to the "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" goal is through its focus on inclusive and participatory approaches to community engagement and decision-making. Rather than imposing its cooling solutions from the top down, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker works closely with agricultural cooperatives, small-scale enterprises, and local leaders to ensure its initiatives are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities it serves. This collaborative approach not only helps to build trust and buy-in but also ensures that the enterprise's interventions are tailored to the unique social, cultural, and political contexts of each region. By actively involving local stakeholders in the design, implementation, and governance of its programs, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker helps to strengthen the capacity and legitimacy of community-based organizations and local institutions.

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

One key area for partnership is with local and regional government agencies. By aligning its initiatives with the priorities and development plans of national and subnational authorities, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker can ensure its cooling solutions are integrated into broader policy frameworks and investment strategies. This can help to secure Buy-in and support from policymakers, and create an enabling environment for the enterprise's scalability and long-term sustainability.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker is a highly innovative solution that addresses a critical need in rural Ethiopia that has been historically underserved. While basic refrigeration and cooling technologies exist, they are often prohibitively expensive, energy-intensive, and inaccessible to small-scale farmers and remote communities. The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker, however, leverages affordable and sustainable solar power to provide an effective cooling solution tailored to the specific challenges faced by these target beneficiaries. What makes the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker truly innovative is its integrated approach to addressing multiple interconnected issues. By providing reliable, off-grid cooling, the enterprise not only helps to reduce food waste and spoilage, but also enables farmers to extend the shelf-life of their perishable products, leading to increased incomes and improved food security.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker startup stands out from its main potential competitors, such as traditional grid-powered refrigeration providers in Ethiopia, through its innovative and differentiated offering. While conventional cooling solutions are often prohibitively expensive, energy-intensive, and difficult to maintain for small-scale farmers and rural communities, the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker addresses these key limitations with its affordable, solar-powered design and localized, community-centric approach. By leveraging renewable energy, utilizing readily available parts, and minimizing environmental impact, the Ahadu startup provides a uniquely tailored solution that is well-positioned to serve the specific needs of its primary target beneficiaries. This combination of technical innovation and community engagement sets the Ahadu Solar Ice Maker apart from existing cooling technologies in the Ethiopian market.

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

The Ahadu Solar Ice Maker startup is actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in the local community through partnerships with women's organizations, targeted hiring and mentorship programs, and advocacy for policies that support women-led businesses.