Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Fully Integrated food-tech company, which integrates a comprehensive process of producing, processing, and marketing ultra high protein crops / sesame & soybean / products to create a seamless process from farm to market, ensuring high-quality products

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We are a mid-sized fully Integrated food-tech startup company dedicated to sustainable farming practices, innovative crop production, and supply chain efficiency specializing in the production and distribution of ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / products we will operate across 70 hectares of farmland in the south of Ethiopia We will cultivate, process, and distribute high-quality ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / seeds and products to local and international markets, by promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting local communities. Key components In our farming project 1. Production . cultivate & harvest using sustainable farming techniques 2. processing . packing seeds and value added oil product for different market segments 3. Distribution . supplying local and international markets by setting up an e-commerce platform 4. Marketing and Sales . creating a strong brand identity that highlights quality, sustainability, and health benefits

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

. low ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / productivity and quality . suboptimal ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / farming practices . a huge gap between farmers and markets, which leads farmers to get lower prices and unstable demand for their crop . A huge post-harvest losses due to lack of handling, storage, and processing techniques . unsustainable farming practices that can affect soil health . high unemployment rate & poverty in the community . lack of training on best agricultural practices . unavailability of ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / supply chain from farm to market, including logistics, processing, and distribution . unimproved livelihoods . unavailable sustainable and efficient ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / farm & industry

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

. Our products provide a combination of nutritional benefits, culinary versatility, and potential health advantages, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet . Our ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / products, such as sesame oil, tahini, and sesame flour, are rich in essential nutrients. . Our products are associated with various health benefits, to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and support heart health. . Our products can be used in a wide range of culinary applications. sesame oil is prized for its flavor and is used in cooking and dressings . For individuals following plant-based diets, sesame products are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats . Our products allows consumers to enjoy traditional flavors and recipes from these cultures. . Our oil is commonly used in natural skincare and haircare products. . Generally, our product are delicious, nutritious, affordable and sustainable plant-based ingredients

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

Youths and Women's . Our business can create an employment which can help engage underrepresented groups, such as women and youth, fostering inclusive economic growth Farmers They will get Improved access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment to enhance productivity Laborers . creation of jobs in farming, processing, packaging, and distribution provides employment for local laborers Local Communities . Increased economic activity stimulates local economies, leading to broader community development Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) . We provide opportunities to engage in value-added activities like processing, branding, and packaging increase profitability Consumers . Consumers benefit from access to ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / products, such as oil, seeds, and other derivatives. Government . Increased agricultural productivity and business activity contribute to national economic growth

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-08-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

1. Medhanit Wube | PHD, MPH | Deputy Chief of a party, USAID caring for vulnerable children Activity . several years (typically 14+ years) of experience in international development, preferably within USAID and similar organizations, with progressive leadership roles.    . Has deep understanding of R&D processes, methodologies, and applications in development contexts. Experience in designing, implementing, and managing research projects . Has a proven track record of managing large-scale projects, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. . Experience working with a variety of donors, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector partners 2. Shewaye Wolde Yohannes | MSc Agronomist . Has direct experience in farming, agribusiness management  . Has understanding of crop production, livestock management, agronomy, and horticulture.

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

https://www.luxuryaddis.com

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

We are creating job opportunities in rural areas to help lift families out of poverty, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and laborers involved in ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / production, contributes to economic stability

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

. It can create a steady source of income for employees enabling them to purchase other food items and reduce hunger . It Integrate ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / with other crops which can enhance crop rotation and resilience, ensuring a steady food supply even during adverse conditions . It has associated value chain (processing, packaging, marketing) which creates a job . It produces rich essential nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, and minerals, contributing to better overall nutrition . It process ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / into products like oil, and snacks which can enhance availability of nutrient-rich foods . It produces a drought-tolerant crop, making it suitable for regions with limited water resources . It Integrates ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / farming with other agricultural practices which can support biodiversity

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 sesame value chain project contributes significantly to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages and support bone health, which is particularly important for aging populations . Our sesame has nutrients that are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing nutritional deficiencies . Our Sesame seeds contain antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to better health and longevity . Our employees workers involved in the sesame value chain can earn a sustainable income, which helps improve their standard of living, access to healthcare, and overall well-being . Our project can stimulate economic activity in rural areas, leading to improved infrastructure and social services, which enhance community health and well-being . Integrating sesame into diets can help diversify food sources, making communities less reliant on a single crop and thereby improving food security and nutritional outcomes

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

our fully integrated food-tech company, can contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities in several ways . We engage in local communities providing training on modern agricultural practices, which can enhance the skills and knowledge of employees and their families . Part of the project, we could be involved in social responsibilities by establishing or supporting local schools and educational programs which ensures that children in farming communities have access to quality education . We will design special initiatives which can be designed to encourage female participation in both farming activities and educational opportunities. . We will Invest in local infrastructures, such as building or improving schools and libraries, which can provide better educational facilities for the community.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

. It creates an employment which can help engage underrepresented groups, such as women and youth, fostering inclusive economic growth . It offers targeted training programs for women to enhance their skills in sesame farming, processing, and business management . It encourages and supports women to take on leadership roles in the project . It guarantees equal pay for equal work, ensuring women receive fair compensation . It creates a safe and supportive working environment, addressing issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination . It conducts gender sensitization workshops for both men and women to promote understanding and support for gender equality. . It implements these and other strategies, to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

. It Implement efficient irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler irrigation to reduce water wastage . It collect and store rainwater for irrigation and other uses . It use mulching and other soil moisture conservation techniques to reduce the need for irrigation . It utilize technologies and practices that minimize water usage in both farming and processing stages . It provide adequate sanitation facilities for farm workers to ensure hygiene and health . It educate workers on sustainable water management practices and the importance of sanitation . It will Involve local communities in water and sanitation projects to ensure their needs and knowledge are considered

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

. our ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / value chain waste products can be utilized to produce bioenergy, reducing the need for traditional energy sources and minimizing environmental impact . Our sustainable farming practice implementation can reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources

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

. The project creates jobs at various stages of the value chain, including farming, processing, packaging, and distribution . our project creates additional jobs in related sectors such as transportation, marketing, and retail . Our Improved farming techniques and better access to markets can lead to higher yields and better prices for sesame, increasing the income of our employees . our sesame value added product can provide higher returns than selling raw seeds, benefiting the entire community economically . Our project encourages entrepreneurship and the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the processing and distribution sectors . our sustainable farming practices help ensure long-term productivity and environmental health, which is crucial for ongoing economic growth. . We Implement fair labor practices which ensures workers to have safe working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable working hours

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

. We will Introduce advanced agricultural practices, such as precision farming, and mechanization which enhances productivity and efficiency . We will develop a research and development team for better sesame seed varieties which leads to higher yields, disease resistance, and improved quality. . our Implementation of digital platforms for market information, supply chain management, and farmer education fosters innovation and improves market access . We will develop better roads and transportation networks facilitates for the movement of sesame from farms to processing centers and markets, reducing costs and spoilage . We will be building modern storage facilities, such as silos and warehouses, helps in maintaining the quality of sesame seeds, reducing post-harvest losses . We will be Establishing processing plants for cleaning, hulling, and oil extraction adds value to the raw sesame, leading to higher profits and job creation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

. The project can create jobs across different stages – from farming, processing, to marketing, which create a job opportunities for refuges, men & womens

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

. We promote economic development & job creation which helps to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for urban and rural populations.    - It promotes local economies by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the sesame value chain. . our project encourages sustainable agricultural practices, which helps to ensure food security and resilience   . The project can involve local communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that the development is inclusive and benefits all stakeholders. . the sesame value chain can lead to the development of better infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and markets. This improves accessibility and connectivity within cities and between urban and rural areas

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

. It encourages the use of locally sourced inputs to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation . It supports local farmers and communities, thereby fostering local economies and reducing dependency on external sources.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

. It implements sustainable farming practices such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and organic farming, the project can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture . It uses drip irrigation and other water-efficient technologies which can minimize water use and reduce the energy needed for water pumping . It collects and stores rainwater for irrigation which can reduce dependence on groundwater and decrease energy consumption . It reduces post-harvest losses through improved storage and transportation . It integrates trees and shrubs into the farming system which can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide additional carbon sequestration . It grows a variety of crops which can increase resilience to pests and climate change, reducing the need for chemical inputs

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

while ultra high protein crop / sesame & soybean / value chain farm project primarily pertains to agriculture and land-based activities, it can also contribute to the life below water goal in several indirect but meaningful ways: . It Implement sustainable farming practices in sesame cultivation which can reduce agricultural runoff . It use efficient water management practices in sesame farming, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and can reduce the amount of water drawn from rivers and aquifers

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

. It implements crop rotation and organic farming methods which can enhance soil fertility and structure, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm the land.     . It integrates trees and shrubs into sesame farming systems that can provide habitats for various species, enhance biodiversity, and create ecological corridors. . It encourages the presence of pollinators, such as bees, through habitat creation and protection can improve sesame yields and promote overall ecosystem health . It plants cover crops and using contour plowing can prevent soil erosion, restoring degraded land and improving its productivity . Including reforestation efforts as part of the project can restore deforested areas, improve carbon sequestration, and enhancement biodiversity .By providing farmers with sustainable livelihoods through sesame farming, there is less pressure to convert forests and other natural habitats into agricultural land, thereby conserving these areas

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

. It employs individuals from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized and vulnerable groups (e.g., women, youth, ethnic minorities), promotes social inclusion and equity . It actively involves with local communities in decision-making processes related to the project can help build trust and ensure that the benefits of the project are shared equitably . It collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations which can strengthen local institutions and enhance their capacity to serve their communities effectively.

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

. It collaborates with governments, private sector companies, NGOs, and international organizations to mobilize resources, knowledge, and technology . It has access to international markets for sesame products, ensuring fair trade practices and integration into global value chains.

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.

4

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

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

. We address the entire value chain, from seed selection and cultivation to processing, marketing, and distribution. This holistic approach ensures that all stages of production are optimized for quality and efficiency . We use vertical integration of production and processing to control quality and reduce costs, leading to higher profitability and consistency in product quality . It implements organic farming techniques, to produce high-quality sesame seeds while maintaining soil health and biodiversity . Beyond raw / sesame & soybean / product seeds, the project can focus on producing value-added products such as sesame oil, tahini, and sesame-based snacks, increasing revenue streams . We develop a new product that cater to health-conscious consumers, such as organic or gluten-free options, can tap into niche markets . We utilize digital platforms to market products directly to consumers which can reduce intermediaries and increase profit margins

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors: 1. smallholder farmers 2. cooperatives and farmer association 3. Large agribusiness companies 4. Exporters & Traders    What makes our business stand Out ? . we utilize advanced agricultural technologies to optimize yield and reduce waste . We establish rigorous quality control processes to meet international standards    . We adopt sustainable farming practices that improve environmental impact which can be a significant selling point for international buyers and eco-conscious consumers . We develop strong branding strategies to differentiate your sesame products in both domestic and international markets. . We Leverage digital platforms and e-commerce to reach a broader audience and streamline sales processes. . We integrate various stages of the sesame value chain from farming to processing to exporting    . we will produce value-added products such as sesame oil, tahini, and snacks, which can offer higher margins compared to raw sesame seeds.

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

currently I'm not initiating actions, but we are planing to include initiative actions with this project