Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project involves investing in an energy-efficient, eco-friendly light box that uses PVC plastic and is powered by rechargeable solar batteries, making it a sustainable and cost-saving solution.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project involves the development of an eco-friendly light box that utilizes PVC plastic, an energy-efficient design, and solar-powered rechargeable batteries. The combination of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient design, and solar-powered rechargeable batteries results in a holistic approach that minimizes the environmental impact of the light box. This project aligns with the growing trend towards renewable energy and sustainable product development, positioning it as a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to address climate change and promote environmentally conscious practices. The project represents an innovative and impactful solution that can contribute to a more sustainable future.

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

The eco-friendly light box project is primarily designed to solve the following problems: 1. High Energy Consumption: Existing light boxes used by companies in Africa often have outdated and energy-intensive designs, leading to high electricity consumption and costs. Our light box incorporates energy-efficient technologies to significantly reduce power demands. 2. Unsustainable Materials: Many current light boxes are made with non-recyclable plastic materials, contributing to increased waste and environmental issues. Our light box utilizes PVC plastic, which is more eco-friendly and can be easily reused or recycled. 3. Logistical Challenges: The heavy and bulky nature of traditional light boxes makes them difficult to transport and deploy, especially in remote African regions. Our lightweight and portable design addresses these logistical challenges.

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. Energy Efficiency: The light box's use of energy-efficient components and technologies significantly reduces power consumption and lowers electricity costs for users. 2. Environmental Sustainability: The recyclable PVC plastic materials and solar-powered rechargeable batteries minimize the environmental impact and waste associated with the light boxes. 3. Improved Portability and Ease of Use: The lightweight and compact design of the light box makes it easier to transport and install, even in remote areas, enhancing accessibility Economic Opportunities: The development and distribution of the light box can create local job opportunities, contributing to the economic growth and empowerment of African communities.

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

Organization in Africa: The project is designed to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective lighting solution for businesses and companies operating in Africa.That is small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturing facilities, retail establishments, and any other commercial entities that require reliable and energy-efficient lighting for their advertising. Local Communities in Africa: The project also aims to benefit local communities, particularly in rural or underserved areas, by improving access to affordable and environmentally responsible advertising solutions. This can include individual households, small businesses, schools, clinics, and other community facilities that currently face challenges in obtaining reliable and sustainable lighting. Environmental Advocates and Sustainability Initiatives: The eco-friendly nature of the light box project aligns with the goals of environmental advocacy groups and sustainability-focused initiatives working to promote clean energy

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-28

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

3

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.)

Determination Makadho Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with Entrepreneurship(4th year). One experience in Administration at POTRAZ. Rukudzo Dzapasi Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with Entrepreneurship (4th year). One year experience in client experience at OId Mutual Ruvimbo Choma Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management One year experience in Marketing at OK Zimbabwe

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?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

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

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Supporting Women-led Enterprises: The project can actively engage and support women-ownec businesses and female entrepreneurs in the distribution, installation, and maintenance of the eco-friendly light boxes. By empowering women to play a significant role in the project's value chain, it can foster gender-inclusive economic development and leadership opportunities. Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment: ○ The project's focus on creating local job opportunities in manufacturing, sales and maintenance can provide employment and income-generating opportunities for women. This can help enhance women's economic independence and participation in the local workforce, contributing to their overall empowerment and reducing gender-based disparities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Improved Energy Efficiency: The project's focus on energy-efficient components and technologies ensures the light boxes consume significantly less power compared to conventional lighting options. This increased energy efficiency translates to lower electricity costs for users, making the solution more affordable and accessible Increased Access to Clean Energy Solutions: only providing solar-powered,energy-efficient lighting solution,the project expands access to lean and renewable energy sources for businesses and communities in Africa.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Potential for Partnerships and Collaboration: The project can foster partnerships and collaborations Skill Development and Capacity Building.The project will require the training and upskilling of local workers in areas such as manufacturing, installation, and after-sales services. This will help develop technical expertise and specialized skills within the local workforce enhancing their employability and career prospects. between local businesses international organizations, and development agencies, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices These synergies can further drive economic growth and promote sustainable, inclusive and equitable development in the region. By addressing these Job creation as the business grows the people will be able to being employed Ecommerce : the buying and selling of Light box will enhance trade between countries

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Scalability and Replicability The modular and scalable design of the eco-friendly light boxes allows for the potential expansion and replication of the project in other locations.This scalability can contribute to the development of a robust and adaptable infrastructure that can be tailored to the specific needs of different communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth Collaboration and Partnerships: The project can enable collaboration between local and international stakeholders including businesses, research institutions, and development organizations. These partnerships can facilitate the exchange of ideas, thesharing of best practices, and the co-creation of innovative solutions, further strengthening the industry, innovation, and infrastructure ecosystem in the region. Technological Innovation:The project is centered around the development and deployment of an innovative, solar-powered lighting solution that utilizes energy-efficient and environmentally -friendly

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

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Reduced Environmental Impact : By utilizing solar power and energy-efficient technologies the project minimizes the carbon footprint and environmental impact associated with traditional lighting solutions. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems and habitats. Responsible Resource Utilization: The project's focus on sustainable design and materials selection can help optimize the use of natural resources, minimize waste, and promote circular economy principles. This can include the use of recyclable or biodegradable components, as well as the implementation of responsible waste management practices. Sustainable Land Use: ◦ The deployment of the light boxes can be designed to minimize the impact on land use and the disruption of natural landscapes. This can involve the careful selection of installation sites and the integration of the light boxes with existing infrastructure ensuring the preservation of land resources.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Financing and Resource Mobilization: The project can leverage partnerships with financial institutions, development banks, and international donors to mobilize the necessary resources for project implementation including funding, technical assistance, and logistical support. These partnerships can help ensure the financial sustainability and long-term viability of the project. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement ○ The project can engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, businesses policymakers, and civil society organizations. This inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement can help align interests, coordinate efforts, and build a shared understanding of the project's objectives and impact. 3. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building] ◦ The project can facilitate the exchange of knowledge technologies, and best practices among the partner organizations and communities.

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.

4

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.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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.

5

05.08 Justification

The product is PVC plastic which renewable solar powered and has a stand by battery

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

Alliance Media, Jc Decaux, Advertising Industries Pvt ltd

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

Certain positions are left out for females