Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project is the manufacturing of briquette charcoal from different industrial and agricultural wastes.The main input materials for the briquette charcoal production are water-hyacinth from lake Tana, textile factory sludge, bagasse and rice husks.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

In our country, different industrial and agricultural wastes are not recycled and reused, instead they are thrown to the environment. For instance, sugarcane bagasse is available in bulk in sugar factories and only small portion of it is used for power generation but the remains are dumped to the soil, rice husk, which is available in bulk in different part of the country is also burned and dumped into soil. There is a lot of dried sludge wastes in textile factories. In addition to this, Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, is highly affected by water hyacinth and most of its parts are changing to dry land which is very heart breaking and frustrating issue. Due to this, we are concerned about converting this water hyacinth and the above wastes into something useful. This was the time we developed a briquette charcoal by mixing these wastes in different proportion. Low quality molasses was used as a binding agent.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is reducing environmental pollution which is caused by burning of rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and other agro wastes by turning them into useful energy sources. We are also trying to keep Lake Tana from drying by converting water hyacinth into useful energy source and reducing the pollution caused by textile factory sludge is also our concern. This project solves many problems in different ways such as it covers the shortage of energy demand by substituting wood charcoals which in turn reduces deforestation. The project has also a great potential of reducing unemployment problems.

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

Using our project product/ briquette charcoal has many benefits and advantages such as 1. It increases environmental sustainability by reducing wastes, emission and deforestation rate. 2. It has an economic benefit as it generates wealth from wastes (circular economy) and it has the potential of creating many job opportunities from raw material collection to product distribution. 3. It decreases the health risk of women and children which is caused by traditional fuel sources such as fuel wood, charcoal and cow dung. 4. It highly reduces the vulnerability of water bodies such as Lake Tana by converting water hyacinth into briquette charcoal and keep the water bodies from drying.

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

Our project targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, each of whom stands to gain significant advantages from its implementation: 1 Households: both urban and rural households are beneficiary from our product as the briquette has no smoke, and gives high heating value than the traditional fuel sources. 2. Small and medium enterprises: those enterprises such as restaurants, cafes, street vendors that rely on charcoal are beneficiary due to the affordability and efficiency of the briquette charcoal. 3. Industries such as cottage industries, cements factories, soap factories, other manufacturing and processing factories can use this briquette as a replacement of the coal and they are our targeted customers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-02-01

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

2

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.)

1. Rewula Ephrem: she has a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and master of business administration. Currently, she is studying her masters degree in thermal engineering from Bahir Dar institute of technology, Bahir Dar University. 2. Sinework Fentabil: a senior technical assistance at Bahir Dar Institute technology (Bahir dar university) at Bahir dar energy Center, Bahir Dar Ethiopia. she has BSc. degree in Chemical Engineering fromWolkite University and MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering from Bahir Dar institute ofTechnology.

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/mulat-shitye-88a33b1bb?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BIdjgiZ%2FbTsWAPolwti94EA%3D%3D

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project focuses on environmental sustainability, it reduces emission and deforestation. When deforestation rate is reduced, soil is conserved which in turn increases productivity. Moreover, when greenhouse gas emission is reduced, acid rain is reduced which also increases agricultural productivity. In addition to increasing agricultural productivity, the project has an impact on substituting imported coals for factories and the briquette can also be exported and brings foreign currency which means, the project is increasing the GDP of the country. It creates job opportunity for many citizens in general, the project has a great impact on ending poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

When wastes are recycled and reused, they generate additional income for those involved in briquette manufacturing, either directly or indirectly. Moreover, the project significantly boosts agricultural productivity and contributes to the national GDP, as outlined in Section 02.01 (No Poverty). This initiative increases the income of employers, owners, and farmers (by enabling the sale of agricultural wastes like rice husk), as well as other partners, from raw material suppliers to end users. Therefore, this project greatly supports the goal of achieving zero hunger.

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

One of the major benefits of briquette charcoal is the production of less/no smoke and fewer harmful gases as compared with fuelwood and charcoal. This means, this project has a great role in reducing household air pollutions (HAP) and related respiratory diseases. This project helps to decrease the incidence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). This is particularly beneficial for women and children, who are often most exposed to indoor air pollution. Deforestation can lead to a variety of health problems, including the spread of vector-borne diseases due to changes in the ecosystem. By preserving forests, briquettes contribute indirectly to better health outcomes. Moreover, this project increases the income streams of the community which enables them to access a better healthcare, enhanced nutrition and overall improved lifestyles. Thus, the project strongly supports the health and wellbeing of SDG.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

This project increases the income of families, enabling them to afford school fees, uniforms, exercise books, pens, and other educational materials. Additionally, by reducing indoor air pollution, the project decreases the number of students dropping out due to health problems. In developing countries, children often spend a significant amount of time collecting wood, but briquettes reduce this time considerably, allowing more time for studying and attending school, thereby enhancing their educational outcomes. Furthermore, the increased income for communities can be used to build infrastructure such as roads, schools, water supply systems, and health centers. Overall, the project directly and indirectly promotes access to quality education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Traditionally, women and girls are primarily responsible for collecting firewood, a task that can take several hours each day. By using briquettes, the time spent on this labor-intensive activity is greatly reduced, freeing up time for education, income-generating activities, and personal development. Moreover, reducing indoor air pollution has a direct positive impact on the health of women and girls, who spend more time near cooking fires. Women and girls can participate in various stages of the briquette production and distribution process, gaining financial independence and improving their economic status. This project also reduces the need for women and girls to travel long distances to collect firewood which in turn decreases their exposure to potential dangers such as harassment or violence. Briquettes provide a safer alternative energy source that can be accessed locally. In general, empowering women and girls is one of the major objectives of the project.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We are using water hyacinth, textile factory sludge, bagasse, and rice husk as input materials for the production of briquettes. This initiative helps conserve water bodies like Lake Tana and others. Textile factory sludge is a significant environmental pollutant that adversely affects water quality, but this project mitigates this impact by converting the sludge into a useful energy source. Additionally, deforestation is a major factor contributing to the drying up of water sources. By substituting fuel wood and charcoal with briquettes, the project helps reverse deforestation, thereby preserving water sources and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Thus, the project supports the goal of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Briquettes provide affordable energy because they are typically cheaper than traditional biomass fuels. This affordability ensures that low-income households have access to a cost-effective energy source for cooking and heating. As they are produced from locally available agricultural and other wastes, briquettes provide a consistent and reliable energy source. This reliability reduces dependence on erratic supplies of firewood and charcoal. The project uses agricultural waste (rice husk and bagasse) and other organic materials (water hyacinth and textile factory sludge) for briquette production, this promotes the recycling and reuse of materials. This helps to provide a sustainable energy resource for the community. Moreover, briquettes have a higher energy density and burn more efficiently than traditional biomass fuels, making briquettes a more effective energy source. In conclusion, project significantly contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and moder

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

This project generates numerous employment opportunities across various stages, including the collection of raw materials, briquette production, and distribution. This helps reduce unemployment and provides stable jobs for many, particularly in rural areas. The project fosters inclusive economic growth by involving diverse community members, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, in the production process. This inclusivity ensures that economic benefits are distributed more equitably across society. In general, the project improves livelihood, promotes environmental sustainability by recycling agricultural waste and other organic materials, contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, it diversifies the local economy by creating new market for the briquette, enhances the workers skill engaged in briquette production by giving valuable skills, such as technical, business management, and entrepreneurship skills.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project stimulates the development of infrastructure needed for briquette production, such as production facilities, storage units, and distribution networks. This infrastructure supports efficient operations and enhances the resilience of the local economy. Our project promotes the use of sustainable industrial practices by utilizing agricultural waste and other organic materials as raw materials. This reduces reliance on finite resources and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to sustainable industrialization development. Innovations regarding the production methods, efficiency improvements, and product quality enhancements are also the major part of the project.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

This project promotes the use of clean-burning briquettes, which reduces indoor and outdoor air pollution in urban areas. This improves the health and well-being of city residents, particularly those living in densely populated areas. It also reduces the demand for firewood and charcoal sourced from urban forests and nearby areas which helps to preserve local green spaces and biodiversity, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment. Investing in briquette production infrastructure, such as manufacturing facilities and distribution networks, enhances urban infrastructure resilience. This infrastructure development supports efficient energy supply and distribution within cities. Overall, the project promotes the development of inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities in different point of view.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The project utilizes agricultural waste such as rice husk, bagasse, and water hyacinth, as well as industrial by-products like textile factory sludge, as raw materials for briquette production. By converting these materials into valuable energy sources, the project reduces waste generation and promotes resource efficiency. By promoting a circular economy approach, the project closes the loop on waste materials by transforming them into valuable products (briquettes) that can be reused or recycled. This promotes sustainable consumption patterns and reduces the extraction of finite resources.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our project has the potential of reducing deforestation rate by substituting traditional fire woods and charcoals. The project increases afforestation rate which plays a vital role in in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Moreover, we are using water hyacinth purposely to preserve water bodies like Lake Tana from drying. In addition, briquettes burn more efficiently and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional biomass fuels which means the project mitigates climate change by reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions that contribute to global warming.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

One of the input materials for our project is water hyacinth, which was purposely selected to prevent water bodies from drying up and to protect life below water from extinction. Water hyacinth affects the aquatic ecosystem by depleting oxygen, altering habitats, degrading water quality, blocking waterways, and spreading diseases to animals and plants living under the water. In addition, industrial wastes, such as textile factory sludge, highly affect water bodies and the life within them. Therefore, this project has a significant positive impact on life underwater by converting these materials into a useful energy source.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The project reduces the demand for wood fuel as it provides an alternative to firewood and charcoal. This helps conserve forests and prevents deforestation, which is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. This reduced pressure on forests allows for more sustainable management practices. Forests can be managed for multiple uses, including conservation, recreation, and timber production, without the threat of overexploitation for fuel. This means, healthy forests and vegetation covers protect soil from erosion and maintain moisture levels, which are critical for preventing desertification. This shows the potential of the project in preserving the life on land.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

5

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

4

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

4

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.

2

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

5

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

3

05.08 Justification

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

In our country Ethiopia, the main competitors of our project are traditional charcoal producers and local briquette manufacturers (that are at early stage around Addis Ababa) that produces briquette by recycling wood charcoal powder. In the current scenario, there is no well-organized briquette manufacturer in Ethiopia. So, the main competitor is local charcoal manufacturers because they have well established market presence and consumer familiarity but their business have great environmental impact (deforestation), inconsistent quality, and inefficient production methods. On the other side, utilizing water hyacinth, textile factory sludge, bagasse, and rice husk is innovative and addresses multiple waste management issues. Moreover, our project approach helps in controlling invasive species (water hyacinth), managing industrial waste (textile sludge), and using agricultural residues (bagasse and rice husk), thus providing a comprehensive waste-to-energy solution.

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

I have delivere entreprenuership training for Bahir Dar STEM center femal and male students.