Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Project iThemba tackles plastic waste and climate change by empowering youth and engaging communities to turn plastic waste into valuable resources, improving their lives. We promote sustainability, reduce pollution, and foster economic opportunities.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Project iThemba is an initiative that collaborates with youth and communities to address climate change and environmental degradation caused by plastic waste. In Zimbabwe, plastic waste is rapidly increasing, but recycling initiatives are few and inadequate. Instead of merely recycling, Project iThemba upscales plastic waste, adding value to generate income for the youth and communities involved. Our upcycling efforts include converting plastic waste into floor polish, widely used in Zimbabwean homes, bean chairs for office and other uses, fiber for clothing, and fuel such as diesel and paraffin. These products are environmentally friendly and help remove significant amounts of plastic from the environment while providing income for local communities.

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

Plastic waste in Zimbabwe is a growing crisis, with inadequate waste management systems failing to keep up with the increasing volume of discarded plastics. Landfills like Ngozi Mine are overwhelmed, with plastic waste continually piling up, creating breeding grounds for parasites and diseases. This accumulation not only causes unsightly landscapes but also poses serious health risks to nearby communities. The frequent burning of plastic waste releases toxic CO2 emissions, contributing to respiratory problems, and cancers, and exacerbating global warming. The pervasive plastic pollution harms wildlife, clogs waterways, and degrades the environment, highlighting the urgent need for effective and sustainable waste management solutions.

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. Cost-Effective: Our products are relatively cheap because they are primarily made from processed plastic waste, which we obtain at no cost. The minimal production costs allow us to offer affordable prices. 2. Versatility: Our products are highly versatile. Diesel can be used in cars, generators, and machines, while bean chairs are suitable for offices, homes, and gardens. 3. Waste Reduction: Our products help reduce plastic waste in the environment, minimizing negative impacts such as disease outbreaks and unpleasant sceneries. This contributes to a cleaner, healthier community.

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

Our project, iThemba, is aimed at serving two main groups: youth and elderly women in our community. The youth face high unemployment rates and idleness, which can lead to social issues like drug abuse, theft, and other challenges. Meanwhile, elderly women, often widowed or divorced, rely on picking and selling plastic waste to support themselves and their families, earning just 20 cents per kilogram. iThemba aims to improve their lives by providing opportunities to earn higher incomes through processing plastic waste into valuable products. For example, a kilogram of plastic waste can produce fiber that sells for $1.50 and diesel that sells for $1.75 per liter, representing a significant profit margin compared to selling raw plastic. By empowering these groups with skills and resources, iThemba seeks to uplift the community economically and socially, reducing unemployment and improving overall quality of life.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-01

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

7

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

150

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

The other partners in our project bring diverse skills and experiences to the table, complementing the youth and elderly women who are the main beneficiaries. They are predominantly females and possess backgrounds in engineering, marketing, and teaching, which are crucial for producing goods and researching available technologies. Our engineering experts contribute technical skills to design and optimize production processes for goods like fiber and diesel. Marketing partners develop strategies to promote our eco-friendly products and establish market channels. Partners with teaching experience help train and empower youth and elderly women in recycling techniques and business management. Together, our team combines technical expertise, marketing acumen, and educational knowledge to effectively tackle plastic waste management, create economic opportunities, and promote sustainability in our community.

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

https://www.instagram.com/nustenactus

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Since we seeking to improve the income of the youth and women in the communities we work with, We strongly agree that our projects address this SDG.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

Project iThemba addresses SDG 3 by reducing the health risks associated with plastic waste. By upcycling plastic into valuable products like fiber and diesel, the project minimizes the need for burning plastic, which reduces toxic emissions and respiratory illnesses. Cleaner environments lead to improved community health, mitigating diseases caused by waste accumulation. Additionally, iThemba empowers elderly women and unemployed youth economically, enhancing their well-being and reducing social issues like drug abuse and crime. By promoting sustainable practices and providing economic opportunities, iThemba contributes to healthier lives and well-being for the community.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Project iThemba contributes to SDG 5 by empowering elderly women who are often widowed or divorced and rely on plastic waste picking for survival. By providing them opportunities to earn higher incomes through upcycling plastic waste into valuable products, iThemba helps improve their economic situation and reduces their vulnerability. This economic empowerment enhances their independence and social status within their communities. Additionally, iThemba promotes gender equality by involving women in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the project, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Through these efforts, iThemba contributes to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Zimbabwe.

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

Project iThemba contributes to SDG 7 by converting plastic waste into fuel products like diesel and paraffin. This process provides an alternative, affordable energy source that reduces dependency on fossil fuels. By utilizing plastic waste for fuel production, iThemba helps mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources. This contributes to cleaner and more sustainable energy practices in Zimbabwe. Additionally, iThemba's initiatives promote energy efficiency and resource conservation, supporting the transition towards sustainable energy solutions and contributing to SDG 7's goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Project iThemba addresses SDG 11 by reducing plastic waste accumulation in urban areas. Through upcycling plastic waste into valuable products like furniture and fuel, iThemba minimizes environmental pollution and promotes cleaner, healthier communities. By involving youth and elderly women in waste management and product manufacturing, the project fosters community engagement and empowers local residents economically. Additionally, iThemba's initiatives contribute to creating more sustainable consumption and production patterns, promoting resource efficiency and environmental sustainability within urban settings. Overall, iThemba plays a vital role in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities and communities in Zimbabwe.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Project iThemba addresses SDG 12 by promoting sustainable practices in plastic waste management. By upcycling plastic waste into valuable products such as furniture, fuel, and cleaning agents, iThemba reduces the amount of plastic entering landfills and the environment. This contributes to minimizing waste generation and encourages resource efficiency. Additionally, iThemba educates and empowers youth and elderly women in recycling techniques and sustainable production methods, fostering a culture of responsible consumption. By creating market-ready, eco-friendly products, iThemba promotes sustainable lifestyles and economic growth. Overall, iThemba's initiatives support SDG 12's goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, contributing to a more sustainable future for Zimbabwe.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Project iThemba addresses SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience through innovative plastic waste management. By upcycling plastic waste into products like fuel and furniture, iThemba reduces the need for burning plastics, which emits toxic gases. This contributes to mitigating climate change impacts such as global warming and extreme weather events. Additionally, iThemba educates and empowers youth and elderly women in sustainable practices, fostering climate-resilient communities. By promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, iThemba supports efforts to strengthen adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. Overall, iThemba plays a crucial role in advancing SDG 13 by promoting climate action and contributing to a sustainable and resilient future for Zimbabwe.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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

2

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

2

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.

2

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

The product/service envisioned by Project iThemba represents an improvement on existing solutions for plastic waste management. By transforming plastic waste into valuable products like fuel, fiber, and furniture, iThemba enhances environmental sustainability and economic viability compared to traditional waste disposal methods. These innovations extend the range of eco-friendly products available in the market, providing more sustainable alternatives to consumers and businesses. Additionally, the demand for eco-friendly products is growing rapidly, with a significant number of customers already using similar products. iThemba's initiative not only meets this existing demand but also expands the market for sustainable products, catering to environmentally conscious consumers seeking practical and innovative solutions to plastic waste. This approach positions iThemba as a leader in sustainable innovation, offering products that improve upon existing options.

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

Our main potential competitors include fueling stations and furniture sellers. What makes us stand out is our competitive pricing, the compelling story behind our products, and the aesthetic appeal of our eco-friendly offerings. Unlike traditional fueling stations, our diesel and paraffin products are produced from recycled plastic, offering a more sustainable alternative. Similarly, our bean chairs and other furniture items are not only functional but also made from upcycled materials, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. The story of iThemba, which empowers local youth and elderly women while reducing plastic waste, resonates with customers who prioritize social and environmental responsibility. Lastly, our products boast unique designs and quality craftsmanship, setting us apart in the marketplace.

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

Yes, the project that we're working on is an example of promoting female entrepreneurs because we are encouraging old women to enter into business, contribute to climate action, create an income for themselves, and be independent.