Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Autonomous,solar-powered robot that use AI and comp-vision to efficiently clean Harare'streets,collect litter and maintain the city's cleanliness-restoring its 'Sunshine City'status while supporting the sustainable development of the upcomingZim Cybercity

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Rapid population growth strains Harare's waste management. Street sweepers struggle, leading to litter and hygiene concerns. Thus this project proposes Zim Eco-bot, a solar-powered robot designed to revolutionize and address pressing waste management and urban cleanliness challenges in Harare, Zimbabwe. It utilizes cutting-edge technology: AI and Computer Vision: Safely maneuver streets, enabling obstacles avoidance and pedestrians. Advanced Sensors: Differentiates litter from surroundings for targeted and efficient cleaning. Solar Power: Harnesses abundant sunshine, minimizing environmental impact and reliance on fossil fuels. The Zim Eco-Bot will serve as a model for smart, sustainable urban development, inspiring other cities to adopt similar innovative practices.

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

Harare, once known as the "Sunshine City," has faced a decline in cleanliness due to rapid urbanization and limited municipal resources. According to a 2022 report by the Harare City Council, the city generates over 1,800 tons of waste daily, with only 60% effectively collected and disposed of. This has led to the proliferation of illegal dumping sites and deteriorating urban aesthetics, impacting the city's liveability and environmental health. The Zim Eco-Bot project seeks to address these challenges by deploying autonomous, solar-powered robots to efficiently collect litter and waste, and maintain the cleanliness of public spaces. This innovative solution aims to restore Harare's "Sunshine City" status, improve overall cleanliness and sanitation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the city as Harare is aiming to achieve the WORLD CLASS CITY STATUS by 2025

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.Cleaner and Healthier City: By efficiently collecting litter, Zim Eco-bot promotes a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. 2.Sustainable Waste Management: Solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with climate change goals, contributing to Harare's transition towards sustainable development. 3.Enhanced Efficiency: Complements existing efforts, alleviating the burden on street sweepers and allowing them to focus on broader cleaning tasks. 4.Innovative and Scalable Model: The integration of robotics, AI, and computer vision into a municipal waste management system represents a pioneering approach that can serve as a model for smart, sustainable urban development in other African cities. 5. Reduced Strain on Sanitation Workers: Zim Eco-bot complements existing efforts, reducing the burden on street sweepers and allowing them to focus on broader cleaning tasks.

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

The primary beneficiaries of the Zim Eco-Bot project are the residents of Harare, who will enjoy a cleaner, more livable city. The project will also benefit the Harare City Council and municipal authorities by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management, reducing the burden on limited resources. Additionally, the project will create employment opportunities in the fields of robotics, AI, and urban maintenance, benefiting both men and women. The project team will ensure inclusive hiring practices and provide equal opportunities for individuals of all genders to participate in the development, deployment, and operation of the robotic system. By addressing the pressing issues of urban cleanliness and sustainability, the Zim Eco-Bot project aims to serve the broader Harare community and contribute to the sustainable development of the city, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Our Team: Zim Eco-bot is driven by a complementary trio: 1. [Tawanda R.Munyanyi] (Software & Hardware Development): An Electronic Engineering graduate student with a deep understanding of hardware and software development. My expertise are crucial in bringing Zim Eco-bot's physical and digital aspects to life. 2. [Memory Mukungu] (Finance & Project Management): Also, an Electronic Engineering graduate student, Memory brings strong financial acumen and experience in bookkeeping. Her skills will ensure the project's financial viability and smooth operation. 3. [Tinashe Ringson] (Research & Development): A fellow Electronic Engineering graduate student, Tinashe excels in research and reporting. His contributions will be invaluable in gathering data, generating reports, and assisting with hardware development. Combined Strengths: This diverse team combines technical expertise, financial management, and research capabilities, providing a solid foundation for Zim Eco-bot's success.

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?

Other: Waste Management and Sanitation

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

Zim Eco-bot directly contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by tackling a critical public health concern-waste accumulation. Here's how: 1.Reduced Disease Risk: By efficiently collecting litter and waste, Zim Eco-bot minimizes breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and rodents. This helps prevent the spread of illnesses commonly associated with unsanitary environments. 2.Improved Hygiene: A cleaner city with less litter and waste leads to overall improved public hygiene. This reduces the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens and creates healthier living conditions for Harare residents. 3.Potential for Behavioral Change: A visibly clean environment can encourage residents to practice proper waste disposal habits, further promoting public health and sanitation. By addressing these issues, Zim Eco-bot contributes significantly to a healthier and more hygienic Harare for all. This aligns perfectly with the goals of SDG 3.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Zim Eco-bot directly tackles sanitation challenges, significantly contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. How: 1.Improved Sanitation: By efficiently collecting litter and waste, Zim Eco-bot prevents them from clogging drains and overflowing into streets and waterways,promoting a cleaner and more hygienic environment, reducing sanitation issues. 2.Reduced Water Contamination Risk: Uncollected waste can contaminate water sources. Zim Eco-bot minimizes this risk by keeping litter,debris off the streets, preventing them from entering drainage systems and potentially contaminating water supplies. 3.Public Health Benefits: A cleaner environment with less waste reduces the breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and rodents, which can spread waterborne illnesses. This contributes to improved public health and a healthier population. By addressing these issues, Zim Eco-bot directly contributes to cleaner streets, improved sanitation, and reduced water contamination risk,

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Zim Eco-bot embodies the spirit of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Here's how: • Cutting-edge Technology: We utilize AI, computer vision, and solar power to create a smart and efficient waste collection robot. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in the sanitation industry. • Sustainable Solutions: By relying on solar energy, Zim Eco-bot promotes a clean and sustainable waste management infrastructure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. • Replication Potential: The success of Zim Eco-bot can inspire the development of similar solutions in other cities. This fosters industry-wide innovation in sustainable waste management practices. Zim Eco-bot goes beyond just cleaning streets. It's a model for the future of waste management, combining cutting-edge technology with a sustainable approach. If successful, this project has the potential to be replicated in other cities, spurring innovation and progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable future

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

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

Zim Eco-bot is a powerful tool for achieving SDG 11. Here's how: • Cleaner and Healthier City: By efficiently collecting litter and waste, Zim Eco-bot promotes a cleaner and more hygienic environment, reducing health risks and improving quality of life for Harare residents. • Sustainable Practices: Our reliance on solar power minimizes the project's environmental footprint. This aligns with sustainable development goals for cities and combats climate change. • Enhanced City Image: A cleaner Harare becomes more attractive to tourists and businesses. This fosters economic activity, creates jobs, and improves the city's overall image and sustainability. • Alignment with national and local priorities: The project's focus on improving urban cleanliness and waste management in Harare aligns with the broader goals and priorities of sustainable urban development in Zimbabwe. Zim Eco-bot goes beyond just cleaning streets. It's a catalyst for building a more sustainable and vibrant Harare.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The project's emphasis on enhancing urban cleanliness and waste collection can contribute to more responsible and sustainable waste management practices. Depending on how the collected waste is managed, the project could potentially incorporate or promote circular economy principles, such as recycling, reuse, or repurposing of waste materials. The project may also raise awareness among the local population about the importance of responsible consumption and waste management, potentially leading to changes in individual behaviors and practices. The rationale for the "Somewhat Agree" (5) rating is that the project's core focus is not primarily on responsible consumption and production, but it does have the potential to contribute to this goal in a meaningful way through its positive impacts on urban waste management and the possible indirect effects on awareness and behavioral change.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

1.Improved public services:The project's focus can be seen as a contribution to building effective and accountable public institutions that deliver essential services to the community. 2.Promoting social inclusion. 3.Strengthening local governance 4.Potential for transparency and accountability:Depending on the project's governance structure and stakeholder engagement processes, the Zim Eco-Bot initiative could contribute to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and services. 5.Indirectly supporting peace and stability. 6.Limited direct focus:The project's primary objective is not specifically targeted at strengthening institutions or promoting peace and justice, but it can have indirect positive impacts in these areas. While the Zim Eco-Bot project's direct contribution to the "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" goal is not the main focus, the potential indirect benefits and the possibility of synergies with this SDG justify the (*5) rati

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Justification: 1. Multi-stakeholder collaboration 2. Knowledge sharing and capacity building: facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices, contributing to the strengthening of global partnerships. 3. Leveraging technology and innovation: opportunity to explore innovative partnerships and collaborative solutions for sustainable development. 4. Scalability and replicability:The successful implementation,a model for other cities,establishment of new partnerships and the sharing of learnings across different contexts. 5. Alignment with global frameworks: aligns well with the "Partnerships for the Goals" SDG and its emphasis on revitalizing global cooperation. 6. Potential for resource mobilization:facilitate the mobilization of financial, technical, and human resources from various partners. Given the Zim Eco-Bot project's strong emphasis on building partnerships and its potential to contribute to the overall strengthening of global cooperation for sustainable devel

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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

4

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

4

05.08 Justification

Zim Eco-bot reimagines waste collection with a sustainable twist. Unlike traditional trucks, these eco-friendly robots use solar power and AI to navigate streets, efficiently collecting waste. The project's potential for a scalable network and data-driven optimization positions it as a unique and innovative approach to tackling urban sanitation challenges.

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

Several sanitation robot projects are underway globally. However, Zim Eco-bot stands out for its focus on: 1.Sustainability: Zim Eco-bot prioritizes solar power, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional collection vehicles. 2.Scalable network potential: The potential for a network of collaborating robots could address waste management challenges in large cities more effectively. 3.Ability to address unmet needs: The project's focus on responding to emerging trends and unmet demands in urban waste management, such as the need for more technology-driven and environmentally-friendly solutions, positions the Zim Eco-Bot to fill a gap in the market that traditional competitors may not be addressing. By leveraging advanced robotics, automation, and a focus on addressing evolving market needs, the Zim Eco-Bot project has the potential to stand out from traditional waste management competitors and offer a unique and innovative solution in the industry.

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

Offering mentorship, guidance and assistance and support: on their internship and final year engineering projects.