Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Affordable, clean cookstoves for Ethiopian women in low-income communities

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Abdi Mulugeta Sole Proprietorship is a private company that was established in 2023 with the goal of expanding access to high-quality electric cookstoves across Ethiopia. The company's mission goes beyond simply manufacturing and distributing these innovative appliances - it is dedicated to making clean cooking accessible to everyone in the country. At the core of the company's approach is a recognition of the significant financial barriers that have historically prevented wider adoption of electric stoves. To address this, Abdi Mulugeta has forged a strategic partnership with Dashen Bank, one of Ethiopia's leading financial institutions. Through the "Dube Ale" program, the company is able to offer flexible financing options to retailers, allowing them to purchase the electric cookstoves with more manageable upfront investments. This innovative financing scheme has been crucial in lowering the barriers to entry for both retailers and end-consumers.

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

The problem Abdi Mulugeta Sole Proprietorship is trying to solve is the financial barriers that prevent widespread adoption of electric cookstoves in Ethiopia. Despite the lower operating costs of electric stoves compared to traditional fuels, the higher upfront investment required has been a significant obstacle for many households. To overcome this challenge, the company has developed a range of innovative financing and bartering solutions targeting both end-consumers and the retailers who sell its products. By addressing these financial hurdles, we aims to make clean cooking technology accessible to all Ethiopians, regardless of their economic status.

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

The key advantages of Abdi Mulugeta Sole Proprietorship's electric cookstoves include: 1. Health Benefits: Reduced exposure to harmful indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health. 2. Environmental Sustainability: Reduced deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future. 3. Improved Efficiency: Higher energy efficiency, faster cooking times, and lower energy bills. 4. Convenience and Safety: Safer cooking experience with reduced risk of burns or fires. 5. Flexible Payment and Exchange Options: Innovative financing and bartering programs that increase accessibility for households of all income levels.

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

Our primary targeted beneficiaries for this project are Base of the Pyramid (BoP) households in Ethiopia, with a specific focus on women responsible for cooking within these households. These households, including those enrolled in safety net programs due to their low-income status, face challenges such as indoor pollution, health issues, and inefficient charcoal use resulting from the lack of access to clean cooking solutions. The project aims to impact and improve the lives of a significant number of BoP households and safety net beneficiaries in Ethiopia,. The primary beneficiaries will be women and low-income individuals who are disproportionately affected by traditional cooking methods. By providing affordable and accessible electric cookstoves, the project seeks to positively impact their health, reduce indoor pollution, save time spent on cooking, and create opportunities for education and work. Specifically targeting women within these households, the project aims to empower

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-01-26

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?

0

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

i am the only owner ,I'm a seasoned Mechanical Engineer, Entrepreneur, and Product Developer with 8+ years of experience in electrical machine installation and maintenance. I have 4 years of specialized experience in manufacturing hot plates, establishing myself as an Electro-Mechanical Contractor. As CEO of a company dedicated to environmentally friendly electrical products, I'm passionate about providing affordable solutions that enhance quality of life. My focus on safety, high quality, and user-friendliness drives every aspect of my work. I'm particularly committed to improving clean cooking and electrical appliance distribution. Currently, my company focuses on stove production, with plans to expand into refrigerators, ovens, and more. Through our initiatives, we aim to provide innovative solutions and create job opportunities for our community's youth. Together, we're building a brighter, more sustainable future

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdi-mulugeta-9a11ab229?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

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

Our clean cooking initiative contributes to reducing poverty (SDG 1) by: 1) Providing affordable access to clean energy technologies for low-income households; 2) Generating cost savings through reduced fuel expenditures and health expenses; 3) Creating income-earning opportunities along the clean cooking value chain, including manufacturing, distribution, and after-sales services. This holistic approach empowers beneficiaries to improve their economic well-being.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

we address the major health risk of indoor air pollution by distributing clean cookstoves and promoting the use of cleaner fuels. This not only reduces exposure to harmful particulates but also decreases the time and labor burden of traditional cooking methods, empowering women and girls. By eliminating indoor air pollution, our multifaceted approach is making vital contributions towards ensuring good health and well-being for all.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Empowering Women, Protecting the Planet: By providing clean cooking solutions, we empower women while safeguarding the environment. The switch to electric stoves frees up time spent collecting fuel, allowing women to pursue education or income-generating activities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our clean cooking initiative empowers women by: 1) Targeting female household decision-makers as primary users; 2) Alleviating the burden of traditional cooking, freeing up time for education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement; 3) Building local capacity and creating economic opportunities for women in the clean cooking value chain. This advances gender equality in line with SDG 5 objectives.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

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

Our initiative directly supports SDG 7 by striving to provide universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, aligning with the global agenda to achieve clean energy for all by 2030. By promoting the adoption of clean cooking solutions, we contribute to improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix within the targeted households.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

First, by producing affordable clean cookstoves, we generate jobs in manufacturing and retail, boosting the local economy. Second, by empowering women in low-income communities with efficient cooking solutions, we free up their time, potentially allowing them to pursue income-generating activities. This creates a ripple effect of economic growth and empowers a traditionally marginalized group.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

By addressing the challenges of clean cooking access, our initiative directly contributes to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By addressing the challenges of clean cooking access, our initiative directly contributes to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

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

Sustainable Cities & Communities by empowering low-income Ethiopian households, particularly women, with affordable, clean cookstoves. This reduces indoor air pollution, leading to healthier families and a cleaner environment. By creating jobs and promoting clean energy, we build a more sustainable future for Ethiopian communities.

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

Through affordable electric cookstoves, we're tackling SDG 12! These stoves replace harmful charcoal, reducing indoor air pollution and protecting respiratory health. They also promote environmental sustainability by minimizing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. This not only creates a healthier planet but empowers women by freeing up time spent gathering fuel and reducing health risks.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Reduced Deforestation: Traditional cooking methods rely heavily on firewood, accelerating deforestation. Our efficient cooktops, with precise temperature control, minimize energy waste, lowering reliance on these harmful fuels and protecting vital forests. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning biomass fuels releases significant greenhouse gases. Our thermostats promote energy efficiency, significantly reducing household energy consumption and lowering overall carbon footprint. Sustainable Energy Use: Thermostat-controlled cooktops are a game-changer for SDG 13. They foster a more sustainable energy landscape in Ethiopia by promoting responsible energy consumption.

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

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Here's how our initiative cultivates a healthier planet: Combating Deforestation: Traditional cooking methods heavily rely on charcoal and firewood, accelerating deforestation in Ethiopia. Our electric cooktops offer a sustainable alternative, reducing reliance on these destructive fuels and protecting vital forests. This safeguards the rich biodiversity that these ecosystems support. Preserving Habitats: Deforestation disrupts animal habitats and contributes to species loss. By promoting electric cooking, we help conserve wildlife habitats, ensuring the survival of countless species and maintaining a healthy balance within the ecosystem. Promoting Land Restoration: Reduced reliance on firewood allows for natural regeneration of degraded lands. This fosters healthier soil, promotes biodiversity, and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

The Ethiopian market offers imported cooking tech and locally made solutions. While competitors cater to a general audience, we stand out. We focus on innovative, affordable clean cookstoves designed specifically for low-income Ethiopian households, particularly women. Our unique approach tackles financial barriers, promoting clean cooking accessibility in an impactful way. Without access to our solutions, people may continue using traditional biomass stoves, leading to health problems and environmental damage. We aim to fill this gap by providing viable alternatives offering health benefits, financial savings, and environmental sustainability

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

yes most of our retailers are women