Democratic Republic of Congo - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Owanga provides affordable, sustainable energy in Congo with Chisun, a 500W portable battery pack made from recycled materials. Customers rent it for $2/day, enabling small businesses and students to access reliable electricity, reduce carbon emissions,

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our company offers an on-demand electricity service. We rent out portable battery packs called the Chisun to business owners for $2 per 24-hour usage, or they can buy it for $250. We use second-life batteries from electronic waste and plastic bottles to produce our devices. They have a capacity of 1000W and can power common household appliances such as fans, TVs, laptops, and fridges. Everything is designed and created in Congo, reducing the waste problem and providing jobs to people in the country.

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

The problem we are solving is the lack of electricity in Congo, a country with over 80 million people. Over 81% of the population does not have access to power or uses inefficient methods to maintain electricity. These methods are dangerous, dirty, and often unreliable. Kerosene, one of the most common methods, leads to up to 600,000 deaths on the continent. Generators are highly polluting and expensive to run, sometimes costing $10 a day, and families have to spend $300 for a small generator. Candles are another method people use, but they are just not effective.

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

We offer a cleaner alternative. Compared to current solutions on the market, our solution is powered by solar panels, which reduces carbon emissions and benefits the planet. We provide a cheaper alternative. Currently, most businesses have two options when they experience power cuts: they can either close their shops and lose income for the day, or they can power up their generators, which costs at least $10 per day and cuts into their profits. Our solution is portable and uses recycled materials. When we spoke to our customers, the majority expressed a preference for a portable solution. This allows them to take our battery packs (Chisun) to different locations that need power, rather than being confined to one place. Additionally, we use electronic waste to create our devices, which helps reduce the waste found in Congo.

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

Our device serves two types of customers. We have a rental model where we rent out the device for $2 a day to business owners who experience power outages. They come to our location to pick it up and return it the next day when their power is restored. This saves them money compared to spending $10 on generators or closing their shop. We also sell the device to consumers in Congo who want to transition from generators to a cleaner and cheaper alternative. Our customers include students, work-from-home employees, and others who need reliable power.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Chinelo: Background: Law student with extensive knowledge of the energy sector. Experience: Student at the Foundation for Natural Resources, focusing on clean tech transitions. Skills: Legal expertise, energy policy, and strategic planning. Michael: Background: Chemical engineering student at the University of Alberta. Experience: Specializes in analyzing second-life batteries for safety and efficiency. Skills: Battery technology, chemical analysis, and sustainable engineering. Simone: Background: Lead product designer with over 10 years of experience. Experience: Worked with Kenya's leading clean cooking stove company, Burn. Skills: Product design, user experience, and market tailoring. Micheal: Background: Electrical engineer with a focus on solar energy. Experience: Previously worked at BBOXX, a fast-growing African solar company. Skills: Solar technology, electrical systems, and product development. Wesley: Background: Technical advisor and innovation lab director in Houston.

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

https://www.owangasolar.com/, https://afrotech.com/owanga-clean-energy-startup-africa, https://www.linkedin.com/company/owanga-solar/?viewAsMember=true, https://youtu.be/joBaTms0gXA

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

Owanga is dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions in Congo with our Chisun battery packs. These 500W units are rented out for $2/day, offering a reliable alternative to unsafe and expensive traditional methods like kerosene and generators. By repurposing plastic bottles and using second-life batteries, we reduce e-waste and promote environmental sustainability. Our solution not only powers homes and businesses but also supports education by enabling students to study without power interruptions, directly contributing to SDG 7 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Owanga's Chisun project boosts local economies by providing affordable energy, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and profitably. We manufacture locally, creating jobs and fostering skill development. Our rental model lowers energy costs for businesses, increasing their productivity and profitability. Additionally, by utilizing solar panels for charging, we reduce operational costs and carbon footprints. The project's scalability ensures widespread economic benefits, promoting sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, aligning with SDG 8.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Owanga drives innovation by developing the Chisun battery pack, a unique energy solution utilizing recycled materials and IoT technology. Our battery packs are connected to the cloud, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing performance and reducing theft. This infrastructure supports the energy needs of underserved communities, promoting industrialization and fostering innovation. While still in the early stages, our continuous improvements and local production capabilities showcase our commitment to building resilient infrastructure and inclusive industrialization, contributing to SDG 9.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Owanga is committed to sustainable consumption and production through the innovative use of second-life batteries and repurposed plastic bottles for our Chisun battery packs. Each unit helps to reduce electronic waste and plastic pollution, promoting a circular economy. By providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources, we lower the environmental impact of energy consumption. Our rental model ensures the efficient use and recycling of resources, aligning with SDG 12 by encouraging sustainable consumption patterns and reducing waste.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Owanga’s Chisun battery packs significantly reduce carbon emissions by providing a clean energy alternative to kerosene and diesel generators. Each unit reduces approximately 0.21 tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. Our use of second-life batteries and recycled plastic for casing minimizes e-waste, promoting a circular economy. By utilizing solar energy for recharging, we further decrease our carbon footprint. While we are still expanding, our focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources aligns with SDG 13, taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our Chisun battery pack is a unique and innovative solution to the energy challenges in Congo. Unlike traditional energy sources, Chisun offers a portable, affordable, and sustainable energy option. It utilizes second-life batteries and repurposed plastic bottles, significantly reducing e-waste and promoting a circular economy. The integration of IoT technology for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance enhances reliability and efficiency. Our local production approach strengthens supply chain control and supports regional economic development, setting us apart from competitors who rely on international sourcing.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitor is a similar startup based in Nigeria, but they cannot match our robust supply chain control and local production advantages. Owanga stands out due to Chisun's portability, renewable energy use, 6-year lifespan, and innovative e-waste utilization. By sourcing and assembling entirely within Congo, we avoid international component sourcing issues, strengthen local industry, and ensure product reliability and sustainability. This local focus not only supports the regional economy but also allows us to respond swiftly to market needs and maintain quality control.

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