Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This start-up aims to repurpose discarded hotel soap bars by recycling them into new bars for distribution to communities in need, reducing waste and promoting hygiene and sustainability in Ethiopia.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This innovative start-up in Ethiopia focuses on recycling lightly used soap bars discarded from hotel bathrooms. The process involves collecting, sanitizing, chopping and reprocessing the soap into new bars. This initiative not only provides an eco-friendly solution to waste management but also contributes to improved sanitation in communities. By repurposing soap waste, the project reduces environmental impact and supports local hygiene programs. It's a sustainable business model that aligns with global efforts towards zero waste and resource conservation.

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

This innovative start-up in Ethiopia focuses on recycling lightly used soap bars discarded from hotel bathrooms. The process involves collecting, sanitizing, chopping and reprocessing the soap into new bars. This initiative not only provides an eco-friendly solution to waste management but also contributes to improved sanitation in communities. By repurposing soap waste, the project reduces environmental impact and supports local hygiene programs. It's a sustainable business model that aligns with global efforts towards zero waste and resource conservation. This project can make a significant impact on both environmental sustainability and public health in Ethiopia.

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. Environmental Impact: Reduces landfill waste by repurposing discarded soap, lessening environmental pollution. 2. Public Health: Increases access to soap, improving hygiene and health outcomes in underserved communities. 3. Economic Efficiency: Lowers production costs by recycling materials, offering affordable hygiene products and creating local jobs.

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

The project is aimed at serving both the hospitality industry and the local community in Ethiopia. The targeted beneficiaries include hotels, as the project provides them with a sustainable solution for disposing of lightly used soap bars, reducing waste and environmental impact. Additionally, the local community benefits from access to affordable, recycled soap bars, promoting hygiene and reducing the resource strain on the environment. This innovative approach addresses both environmental and public health concerns, making it a valuable initiative for both the hospitality sector and the broader community in Ethiopia.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2025-01-10

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

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

14

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

The main partners for the start-up project aimed at recycling lightly used soap bars discarded from hotel bathrooms into new soap bars in Ethiopia would be: the first partners will be Hotels and hospitality industry: to provide a sustainable source of discarded soap bars. The second partners are Recycling facilities or organizations: to collaborate on the collection, processing, and re-purposing of the discarded soap bars. The third partners will be non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities: to facilitate distribution of the new soap bars to underserved populations. The last will be government authorities: to support the initiative through policy frameworks and waste management regulations.

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?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The soap recycling start-up directly contributes to the UN's No Poverty goal by creating job opportunities for local communities in Ethiopia, including those in vulnerable positions. By employing individuals to collect, sanitize, and reprocess discarded soap bars, the project provides a stable income source. Additionally, by offering affordable hygiene products, it enables low-income families to maintain cleanliness, which is essential for good health and the ability to work or attend school, further supporting poverty alleviation efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While the soap recycling start-up’s primary focus is on sustainability and hygiene, it indirectly supports the Zero Hunger goal by fostering economic growth and stability. By creating jobs and stimulating local economies, the project helps individuals earn a livelihood, which can improve their access to food. Moreover, better hygiene practices reduce disease prevalence, which can enhance nutrition absorption and overall health, contributing to hunger reduction.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The soap recycling start-up directly supports the Good Health and Well-being goal by improving sanitation and hygiene. Access to soap is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases, particularly in areas with limited resources. By recycling discarded soap bars from hotels and providing them to communities in need, the start-up ensures more people can practice regular handwashing, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. This initiative can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in Ethiopia.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The soap recycling start-up indirectly contributes to Quality Education by promoting better health through improved hygiene, which is essential for children to attend school regularly. Frequent illnesses can lead to absenteeism, hindering educational progress. By ensuring access to soap, children can stay healthy and focus on their studies. Additionally, the start-up can engage in educational campaigns about hygiene, further reinforcing the importance of cleanliness and its impact on learning.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The soap recycling start-up promotes Gender Equality by providing equal employment opportunities to both men and women in the collection and processing of discarded soap bars. This empowers women by offering them financial independence and role in the business sector. Additionally, access to hygiene products like soap can help girls maintain school attendance, especially during menstruation, promoting educational equality. The project's inclusive approach supports the broader goal of gender parity in Ethiopia.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The soap recycling start-up directly contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by enhancing hygiene practices through increased soap availability. In Ethiopia, where water scarcity can limit sanitation efforts having soap encourages effective hand washing, which is vital for preventing waterborne diseases. The project also educates communities on the importance of cleanliness, further supporting sanitation initiatives. By re-purposing waste into a valuable resource, it aligns with sustainable water and sanitation management.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The soap recycling start-up indirectly supports the Affordable and Clean Energy goal by promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste. The process of recycling soap bars requires less energy compared to producing new soap from raw materials, contributing to energy conservation. Additionally, by utilizing waste from hotels, the start-up minimizes the need for energy-intensive waste management processes. This approach aligns with sustainable energy practices and can inspire other sectors to adopt similar resource-saving methods in Ethiopia.

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 soap recycling start-up contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating job opportunities in the collection, sanitization, and reprocessing of soap bars. This provides stable employment and fair wages for Ethiopians, fostering economic inclusion. The business model also stimulates local economies through the supply chain, from hotels to retailers. By prioritizing sustainability and social impact, the start-up aligns with ethical business practices that underpin economic advancement and decent work conditions.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The soap recycling start-up fosters Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by introducing a novel approach to waste management in Ethiopia. It leverages innovative techniques to sanitize and repurpose soap bars, setting a precedent for sustainable industrial practices. The project can inspire infrastructure development for recycling facilities and create a blueprint for similar sustainable ventures. This aligns with the SDG's aim to build resilient infrastructure and promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

The soap recycling start-up aids in reducing inequalities by providing equitable access to essential hygiene products across different socio-economic groups in Ethiopia. By recycling soap bars from hotels and distributing them widely, the start-up ensures that even marginalized communities benefit from improved sanitation. The project also offers employment opportunities to individuals regardless of their background, promoting inclusive economic growth and helping to bridge the inequality gap.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The soap recycling start-up enhances Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting environmental responsibility and resource efficiency within urban areas. By diverting hotel soap waste from landfills, the project helps maintain cleaner cities. It also fosters community engagement through education on recycling and hygiene, encouraging civic participation in sustainability efforts. This initiative contributes to creating more sustainable and liveable urban environments in Ethiopia.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The soap recycling start-up embodies Responsible Consumption and Production by transforming hotel waste into valuable hygiene products. This process minimizes waste and promotes the sustainable use of resources. By repurposing lightly used soap bars, the start-up encourages a circular economy where products are reused rather than discarded. This approach reduces the environmental footprint of soap production and sets an example for responsible business practices in Ethiopia.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The soap recycling start-up supports Climate Action by reducing waste and promoting sustainable production methods. By repurposing discarded soap bars, the start-up decreases the demand for new raw materials and the associated carbon emissions from production and transportation. This waste-to-resource model helps mitigate climate change impacts by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging a shift towards a low-carbon economy in Ethiopia.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The soap recycling start-up aids Life below Water by preventing pollution from soap waste. The discarded soap bars can contribute to water contamination, if not disposed of properly. By recycling these soaps, the start-up ensures that harmful chemicals are not released into water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems. This initiative helps maintain the health of Ethiopia's lakes and rivers, supporting biodiversity and the well-being of communities that rely on these water sources.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The soap recycling start-up promotes Life on Land by reducing landfill waste and soil contamination. Soap bars discarded in landfills can release chemicals that harm terrestrial ecosystems. By recycling these soaps, the start-up minimizes environmental damage and supports land conservation efforts. Additionally, the initiative can raise awareness about sustainable waste management practices, contributing to the protection and restoration of land and natural habitats in Ethiopia.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The soap recycling start-up contributes to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering a culture of sustainability and ethical business practices. By operating transparently and responsibly, the start-up can set standards for corporate governance and encourage anti-corruption measures. Moreover, by providing fair employment and supporting community well-being through improved hygiene, the start-up helps build social cohesion and trust in institutions, which are essential for a peaceful society in Ethiopia.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The soap recycling start-up exemplifies Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with hotels, NGOs, and communities to achieve a common sustainability objective. This model of cooperation can be replicated across sectors to address various SDGs. By uniting different stakeholders, the start-up demonstrates how partnerships can leverage resources, expertise, and networks to scale impact. Such collaborations are crucial for mobilizing support and achieving all SDGs in Ethiopia.

05.01 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

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

The start-up innovatively recycles discarded hotel soap bars, addressing a niche for eco-friendly hygiene products. It enhances sustainability in the hygiene industry by extending soap life cycles and employing novel waste management techniques. With growing consumer awareness, the start-up’s unique service is poised to attract a broad customer base interested in environmentally responsible products. Their approach is novel, utilizing an underutilized waste reduction method, and familiarity with recycled products helps expand their customer base.

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

In Ethiopia, our main competitors are local soap manufacturers and importers. What sets us apart is our eco-friendly model: we recycle discarded hotel soap bars, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Our process not only provides an environmentally responsible product but also supports local communities by creating jobs and raising hygiene awareness. This innovative approach aligns with global sustainability goals and caters to a growing consumer base that values green practices.

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

Yes, as an agricultural researcher, I am actively initiating action within my community to promote and support the role of female entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. Through organizing workshops, training programs, and networking events, I aim to empower and provide resources for women to start and grow their agricultural businesses. By collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, I seek to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages female entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of our community. I believe that by elevating the role of women in agriculture, we can achieve greater economic growth and social empowerment for all members of our community.