Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project will be a retail company that sells consumer electronics, appliances, and related services. It will offer products like computers, TVs and home appliances, both in physical stores and online. It will also refurbish, recycle and resell.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Circular Electronics Retailing will be a retail company with a business model that focuses on extending lifecycle of electronic products through sustainable retail sales, reuse, refurbishment, recycling and reselling. This approach will address the growing problem of electronic waste(e-waste) and promotes sustainable consumption. The key components of this model will include: *Retail business: The company will sale a wide range of products, including smartphones, laptops, TVs, and home appliances, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In addition to retail sales, it will provide various services, such as technical support, repairs, installations, and setup for electronics and appliances. *Resell for Recyclers: The company will repair, refurbish, and resell e-waste. This can be through buy-back schemes, trade-in options, or disposal incentives. After the collected electronics are inspected and tested, they will either be refurbished or resold to recyclers.

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

The main problem that ''Circular Electronics Retailing'' is trying to solve is the escalating issue of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices and components, which pose significant environmental and health hazards due to their toxic materials and improper disposals. The core issues associated with e-waste are environmental pollution, resource depletion, waste management challenges, health risks and economic loss. Another problem this project is trying to address is the one-way supply chain. A one-way supply chain is a type of supply chain that flows in single direction, from the supplier to the customer without any returns or recycling. It discourages circular economy and leads to a significant loss of economic value. Circular Electronic Retailing aims to address these issues by promoting sustainable retail sales, reuse, refurbishment, and reselling of electronic products, thereby reducing/prevent e-waste and encourage circular economy.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Major benefits and advantages of Circular Electronics Retailing will include: *Environmental benefits: reduction of e-waste by extending lifecycle of electronics through reuse and refurbishment instead of disposing them in landfills. Conservation of resources and lower carbon footprint will be another environmental benefit, recycling reduces the need for new raw materials and consumes less energy compared to manufacturing new ones, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions. *Economic benefits: The circular model creates jobs in the refurbishment, repair, and recycling sectors, contributing to local economies. It will also recover valuable materials from old electronics and create additional revenue streams. *Consumer benefits: consumers who will purchase electronics from our retail store can feel good about making environmentally responsible choices that contribute to sustainability. They will also save costs through trade-ins and be incentivized for buy-backs.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Circular Electronics Retailing company will serve a diverse range of beneficiaries, from general consumers to businesses, and government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 1) General Consumers: Individuals and families looking for consumer electronics, home appliances, and related accessories for personal and household use. They can be environmentally conscious, budget-conscious, tech-savvy and everyday users seeking eco-friendly, affordable, latest, and reliable technology solutions. 2) Businesses and Organizations: Companies and institutions in need of office equipment and IT infrastructure. They will get advantage from bulk purchases, installations, maintenance services and also from participating in product take-back and programs. 3)Government and NGOs: Public sector bodies and NGOs focused on sustainability, environmental protection, and social welfare can be partner with us and implement sustainable practices, managing e-waste and promoting circular and economy.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-06-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

First Partner: Investment (trade, industry and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) consultant). Human resource, financial and logistics management. Exhibition and trade fair coordinator. Four years vocational school certificate in Commerce, BA degree in Business Management, and master's degree in Humanity. Trained in marketing, sales, procurement, and export marketing. As a consultant served The World Bank in Operations and Private Sector Development.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-alkadir-064862210?trk=contact-info

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Circular Electronics Retailing provides affordable technology, making it accessible to low-income individuals and communities. This access can enhance educational and employment opportunities, indirectly contributing to poverty alleviation.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Proper recycling and disposal of electronics reduce hazardous waste, lowering pollution and associated health risks. Safe work conditions in refurbishing and recycling sectors also promote well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Affordable, new, and refurbished electronics make technology accessible to more students and educational institutions, enhancing learning opportunities and bridging the digital divide.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Circular electronics practices reduce the energy demand associated with manufacturing new devices. Efficient use of resources and energy in refurbishing processes contributes to more sustainable energy consumption.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The circular electronics retailing business creates jobs in refurbishment, repair, and recycling sectors. It promotes sustainable economic growth by developing new markets for refurbished products and reducing reliance on new raw material extraction.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Circular Electronics Retailing fosters innovation in product design, refurbishment technologies, and recycling processes. It supports the development of infrastructure needed for a circular economy.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Providing affordable electronics helps reduce the technology gap between different socio-economic groups, promoting more equitable access to digital resources.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By reducing e-waste and promoting the reuse of electronics, Circular Electronics Retailing supports sustainable urban development and reduces the environmental footprint of communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

This business model epitomizes responsible consumption by extending product lifecycles, reducing waste, and minimizing the need for new resource extraction. It promotes a culture of repair and reuse over disposal.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Circular electronics reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of electronics. By lowering the demand for new products, it contributes significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Reducing e-waste minimizes the pollutants that can end up in water bodies, protecting marine ecosystems. Responsible recycling practices prevent harmful chemicals from contaminating waterways.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Circular Electronics Retailing reduces the environmental impact on terrestrial ecosystems by minimizing landfill use and preventing soil contamination from hazardous e-waste.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

This model thrives on partnerships across various sectors, including manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers. These collaborations are essential for establishing a robust circular economy and achieving broader sustainability goals.

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

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Circular Electronics Retailing in Ethiopia will be a unique, innovative and game changer through its sustainable business model which promotes circular economy. It will also bring economic opportunities like creating job opportunities in repair and refurbishment of electronics. Implementing a circular electronics model will raise awareness about sustainable consumption and importance of recycling.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Potential Competitors: Traditional Electronic retailers with established stores and chains selling new electronics and appliances. Informal market sellers are street vendors and small shops that sell new, used, and imported second-hand electronics but they lack formal warranties and quality guarantees. Online marketplaces: they offer convenience and a wide range of products but might lack standardized refurbishment and quality control. Local repair shops: These shops cater to cost-conscious customers but may not provide comprehensive refurbishment or warranties. Circular Electronics Retailing will stand out by addressing key challenges such as electronic waste, affordability, and acces to technology. By focusing on sustainability, quality, and comprehensive services, this business model can differentiate itself from traditional retailers, informal market sellers, and online marketplaces.

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

Yes, I encourage my sisters and friends to be a business person