Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Afro-Kaya Fast Food Franchise aims to utilize African knowhows, resources, design, and technology to disrupt and modernize the fast-food industry here in Ethiopia and beyond.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Afro-Kaya Franchise Chain (AKFC) is an innovative fast-food chain that blends a passion for flavorful cuisine with a deep reverence for African culture. This franchise is built on four key pillars: Fulfillment, Inspiration, Innovation, and Health Consciousness. Afro-Kaya isn't just about food; it's about providing a soulful dining experience that celebrates African heritage through traditional recipes and vibrant community events. The chain is committed to health-conscious dining, using fresh, organic ingredients, and sustainable practices that honor both customers and the environment. The name "Afro-Kaya" reflects the franchise's African roots and the spirit of a cherished, sacred place. The logo, combining the Great Pyramid of Giza and a rising sun, symbolizes Africa's rich history and promising future. With a vision to establish a strong global presence, Afro-Kaya aims to revolutionize the fast-food industry by introducing deep African style modern fast-foods.

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

The fast-food industry in Ethiopia faces a significant challenge in addressing the needs of "Modern Millennials" evolving demand. Rising food prices have strained budgets, leading many adult urban dwellers to limit their meals to just two per day. This economic pressure is compounded by inflation, which has polarized the market into two extremes: high-cost luxury fast-food options and low-quality, affordable alternatives. Consequently, there's a glaring gap in the availability of reasonably priced, moderate-quality food, especially as the middle class expands and demands better dining choices. Furthermore, existing quick-service restaurants (QSRs) fall short in offering the convenience and modern dining experiences that contemporary consumers seek. There is an increasing demand for fast-food establishments that provide quick, reliable service without compromising on quality and the pockets of the larger working class youth demographics.

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

1 - Affordable, High-Quality Food: Afro-Kaya addresses the gap in the market by offering nutritious, high-quality fast-food options at moderate prices. This benefits customers by providing them with healthier choices that are affordable, bridging the gap between expensive luxury options and low-quality alternatives. This makes it possible for middle-class consumers to enjoy better quality food without straining their budgets. 2- Enhanced Convenience: The integration of technology through mobile apps for ordering and payment, online ordering with delivery services, and self-service kiosks improves convenience significantly. Customers can order and receive their food quickly and efficiently, whether dining in or opting for delivery. This convenience is crucial in urban settings where time is of the essence. 3. Value-Driven Offers: The introduction of value meals and combo deals provides customers with greater value for their money.

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

"Modern Millennials" Urban-Middle-Class Aged 16-45 1- Youth Urban Dwellers: Ethiopia with 75% of the population under 45 and a growing middle class, Afro-Kaya aims to serve young professionals, college students, and urban residents who seek quality meals at affordable prices in Addis Ababa and other emerging cities like Adama, Hawassa, Diredawa, Bahirdar, and Mekelle. 2- Self-Employed and Entrepreneurs: Catering to individuals with hectic schedules, Afro-Kaya provides quick, high-quality meal options that fit into their fast-paced lives, whether they dine in, takeaway, or opt for delivery through a user-friendly mobile app. 3. B2B/ Recreational and Business Event Attendees: Beyond daily consumers, Afro-Kaya targets patrons of recreational fast-food dining experiences and corporate clients needing catering services for events, meetings, and institutional needs across various locations including head-offices, parks, museums, airports, malls, and stadiums.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-09-01

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

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Samuel Terresa holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Hawassa University (2022) and has 2 years of experience at Black Nile Technologies plc, where he contributed to startup initiatives in engineering and technology. Aser Adane graduated with a BSc in Software Engineering from Nanjing University of Technology (2022) and brings 2 years of expertise from Black Nile Technologies, specializing in software development for startups. Sosina Amare completed her BSc in Architecture at Hope University College (2024) and has 4 years of experience in her family's business, focusing on architectural design and project management. Ruth Ameha, also a graduate of Hope University College in Architecture (2024), has 1 year of experience in warehouse management, emphasizing logistics and operational efficiency.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Job Opportunities: Our venture is labor-intensive and scalable, At the start, we will create 50+ jobs and keeps generating numerous job opportunities, benefiting individuals who are seeking employment with personal growth through training and skill development, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Promoting Financial Inclusion: Through our franchise model, we open doors to financial opportunities for our workforce and lower-income citizens alike. We empower our employees by offering pathways to franchise ownership, with access to bank loans that require no collateral. This approach promotes financial stability and inclusion within our communities. Flexible Worktime: Afro-Kaya provides flexible part-time job opportunities, specifically tailored for college students. We aim to support students who may be struggling to finance their education or lack support, ensuring they pursue their academic and career aspirations while earning a sustainable income.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Efficient Food Value-Chain: We prioritize efficient food management to minimize waste and spoilage. Utilizing technology, market insights, and best practices, we streamline our supply chain from sourcing raw materials to delivery, ensuring zero waste and maximum efficiency. Promoting Healthy Production and Consumption: We believe in producing food that nourishes and uplifts. Every stage of our production and consumption process emphasizes maintaining superior nutritional quality, freshness, and ensuring our products contribute positively to health and well-being. Commitment to Sustainability: Our approach integrates sustainable practices to build a resilient ecosystem. This includes achieving self-sufficiency in key supply areas through environmentally friendly technologies and practices, ensuring our operations minimize environmental impact while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our fundamental commitment is to provide superior nutrition through healthy foods and beverages. Our mission is to revolutionize the fast-food industry by offering fresh, nutritious, and health-conscious alternatives, setting us apart from global trends. Afro-Kaya is dedicated to changing the narrative around fast food by prioritizing health-conscious sourcing, production, and consumption practices to achieve our business objectives. To further promote good health and well-being, we place a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and supportive workplace for our team. This includes fostering a culture of wellness and implementing healthy practices in our daily operations. Additionally, we provide comprehensive health insurance for all our team members, ensuring that they have access to essential healthcare services. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace to ensure that every team member is supported in leading a healthy and fulfilling life.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

We are deeply committed to supporting quality education by aiding financially needy students. Our part-time job opportunities are designed to help students pursue their education without the burden of financial stress. We place a special focus on students with strong academic achievements, recognizing their potential and offering them the support they need to thrive. In addition to providing employment, we prioritize ensuring that college students have access to nutritious meals. Recognizing that many students are vulnerable to malnutrition and poor diets, our goal is to offer healthy, affordable food options. We strategically place our outlets near colleges and within university campuses to make nutritious meals easily accessible and convenient for students, helping them focus on their studies and overall well-being.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We recognize the challenges and marginalization women often face in the economic sphere. That’s why at Afro-Kaya, we are dedicated to supporting our female team members in every way possible. We actively encourage and provide opportunities for women to achieve their professional aspirations and thrive within our company. Our goal is to foster a workplace where women can grow, lead, and realize their full potential, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive future. Equality is a cornerstone of our values, and gender equality is especially prioritized. We are committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment for women. Given the nature of our business, we proudly maintain a workforce where women play a dominant role. We believe that a diverse team, enriched with strong female representation, brings a meticulous and thoughtful approach to our operations.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We recognize the critical importance of preventing contamination and maintaining high hygiene standards. We will implement rigorous clean and safe policies across all aspects of our operations. This includes serious procedures for the storage, production, transportation, and consumption of our products, as well as responsible waste disposal practices. Our commitment is to uphold the highest standards of sanitation and cleanliness in our workshops and outlets, to provide our customers healthy, premium-quality food offerings. In addition, we are dedicated to supporting community health and cleanliness. We will provide free public sanitation and toilet facilities at each of our outlets and workshop locations. These facilities will be actively maintained to ensure they remain clean, safe, and fully functional. We encourage everyone to use these public restrooms instead of resorting to unsanitary practices, helping to keep our urban areas clean and hygienic.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in how we manage our energy needs. To harness clean energy and ensure a steady power supply, we install solar panels at all our outlets and workshops. This approach not only supports our goal of using renewable energy but also shields us from the disruptions of power outages, allowing us to operate efficiently and sustainably. For our logistics, we exclusively use electric vehicles. Whether we’re transporting raw materials, distributing inventory to our outlets, or delivering directly to our customers, we are dedicated to maintaining a zero-carbon footprint. Moreover, we support the transition of Addis Ababa to clean transportation beyond our own operations. At each of our outlets, we offer charging stations for electric bikes, powered by our solar panels. This service is available at a minimal cost, encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation among our customers and contributing to the broader adoption of green energy solutions i

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

We are committed to fostering sustainable employment and community development through innovative initiatives. One such initiative is our Smart Shoeshine program, which integrates formalized shoeshine services into each of our outlet units. This program provides young people, who are working in informal and unstable conditions, with dignified and secure employment. By transforming traditional street corner services into professional opportunities, we aim to create better working conditions and stable incomes for the youth in our communities. Our vision is to build a dynamic team with an average age of 25, bringing youthful energy and innovation to our company. We have designed a support-system focusing on the socio-economic well-being of our team members. This includes mentorship, financial advantages, and a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and valued. We believe in growing together, ensuring that our success is shared with the people who help make it possible.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We are set to transform the fast-food industry in Ethiopia through our innovative model. Our franchise chain is built around a centralized warehouse and kitchen system that serves multiple outlets. This model enhances efficiency and standardization across all outlets. By centralizing food preparation and supply, we will achieve greater operational precision, reduce waste, minimize cost, and streamline processes. This is all coordinated through our advanced franchise management software, which automates and synchronizes real-time activities from our central kitchen to every outlet. Beyond our operational innovations, we place a strong emphasis on customer convenience. We will deploy a user-friendly mobile app that integrates seamlessly into our business operations, from ordering and payments to delivery tracking. This app enhances the customer experience by simplifying the entire process, making it easier for customers to enjoy our meals.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

We believe that reducing inequalities starts from within, which is why we prioritize building a team that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Recognizing the prevalent gender disparities, we place a strong emphasis on empowering women within our workforce. Our goal is to create an environment where women are not just represented but thrive and lead, addressing the current gender imbalances in the workplace. Our dedication to inclusivity extends beyond our team to the customers we serve. Afro-Kaya is committed to welcoming and serving individuals from all social and economic backgrounds. We strive to create an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone, ensuring that our offerings cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our community.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

We are dedicated to enhancing urban sustainability by introducing modern kiosk setups in underutilized public spaces. Our initiative aims to revitalize and maintain government-developed public areas that currently face structural management challenges and neglect. By integrating these modern kiosks, which will be built mainly by recycled logistics containers, be used on those underutilized spaces, we will improve the functionality of these spaces and contribute to a more vibrant urban experience for residents and visitors alike. In line with our commitment to sustainability, Afro-Kaya utilizes biodegradable packaging materials- one is fake banana leaf composite with bio-plastic. These eco-friendly alternatives reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to urban cleanliness and sustainability. By choosing biodegradable materials, we mitigate the impact of waste on our cities, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

We are committed to responsible production and consumption practices, focusing on zero waste and offering healthy, nutritious food choices. We proactively streamline our sourcing, production, and service processes to ensure maximum sustainability and quality. Continuous research and development are integral to our approach, aimed at optimizing our production methods further. When it comes to consumption, transparency is key. Through our mobile app and digital platforms, we provide comprehensive information about our products. This empowers our customers to make informed decisions about what they consume. We will adhere to a 100% transparent policy regarding our recipes and cooking processes, to ensure our customers have complete confidence in the food they enjoy at Afro-Kaya.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Afro-Kaya is committed to achieving zero waste and zero carbon emissions throughout our operations. From transportation and food production to home delivery, we prioritize eco-friendly practices to minimize our environmental footprint. We source our raw materials from urban producers who uphold sustainable practices, supporting local communities and reducing emissions from transportation. Our strict adherence to climate action standards ensures accountability in every aspect of our operations. To further our commitment, We will integrates sustainable energy solutions by installing on-site solar panels. These panels power our facilities, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner energy use. Through these initiatives, Afro-Kaya strives to lead by example in sustainable business practices, contributing to a healthier planet and sustainable future for all.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

We will implement eco-friendly packaging and waste management practices, Afro-Kaya contributes to reducing water pollution and demonstrates leadership in sustainable business practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and fostering a positive impact on the community and environment.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Afro-Kaya is committed to actively supporting the national green agenda championed by our leader. We will contribute by planting trees and nurturing their growth as part of our environmental stewardship efforts. This initiative reflects our dedication to sustainability and preserving natural ecosystems for future generations. Through these actions, Afro-Kaya aims to play a responsible role in advancing environmental goals and promoting a greener, healthier environment for all.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Afro-Kaya prioritizes ethical business practices, transparency across all operations, and upholding trust and accountability within the organization. We actively engage with local communities to champion social justice, human rights, and provide access to legal resources. Ensuring fair treatment, non-discrimination, and fostering an inclusive workplace are integral to our commitment to employee welfare.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Afro-Kaya operates on a foundation of collaboration, recognizing partnership as essential to achieving our mission. We maintain an open-door policy, welcoming diverse forms of partnership. For instance, our public-private partnership proposition to the Addis Ababa city administration focuses on revitalizing public spaces, aligning mutual benefits to achieve our business objectives effectively. Furthermore, we are committed to forging alliances with various stakeholders, including suppliers and NGOs, to advance our goals. By establishing strategic partnerships with suppliers and seeking potential sponsors, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and foster sustainable growth in our community engagements. Through these collaborations, Afro-Kaya endeavors to create lasting impact and contribute positively to our society and environment.

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

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Afro-Kaya employs an innovative approach that leverages technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide convenient, high-quality, and nutritious food options. We recognize a significant disparity between the current expensive offerings and the superior quality and convenience of our products. Through strategically located outlets, we aim to meet the increasing demand for healthier food choices. Our commitment is to disrupt the market by offering products that are not only healthier but also more accessible. By strategically locating our outlets, we aim to bridge the gap between affordability and exceptional dining experiences, catering to the evolving preferences of our customers.

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

When it comes to competition in the Ethiopian fast-food market, Afro-Kaya will be in an industry that is still in its infancy. While there are numerous decentralized fast-food businesses, they often feature expensive offerings and cater primarily to the high-end market. Most of these providers are clustered in affluent neighborhoods, focusing on a small segment of the population. Afro-Kaya, on the other hand, aims to serve a broader audience of youth by offering healthy, convenient, and affordable foods which can easily substitute for a formal meal or be enjoyed as a snack. We strategically place our outlets near colleges and major downtown areas, targeting the vast middle class who crave quality, nutritious fast food at reasonable prices. In doing so, we not only address the needs of an underserved market but also create a new trend in the industry. By filling this gap, we anticipate minimal direct competition and foresee establishing a strong foothold as a pioneer in the market.

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

I actively support my two younger sisters in their entrepreneurial aspirations. I inspire them by sharing my own journey and experiences in the business world, including the challenges, opportunities, and intricacies of corporate life. Through our conversations, I aim to provide valuable insights and lessons they can learn from. Additionally, I supply them with educational materials to foster their creativity and innovation, encouraging them to find solutions to real-world problems. Beyond my family, I am also engaged in various startup ventures with female entrepreneurs. This commitment extends to my current project, Afro-Kaya, where we proudly have two female founding members. I am dedicated to expanding this team by including more women entrepreneurs. By doing so, I hope to create an inclusive and supportive environment that champions the vital role of women in business and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship in our community.