Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Energy access and empowerment for off grid-communities. Solar, bioenergy, wind and hydro power integrated energy kiosks and portable EnergyPods for pay-as-you-go energy services, promoting energy independence and economic opportunities.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This innovative project delivers sustainable energy access to off-grid communities through a decentralized, community-driven approach. Energy Kiosks provide pay-as-you-go energy services, including charging stations and energy vending machines, while portable EnergyPods enable users to store and transport energy for their devices. By integrating multiple energy sources - solar, bioenergy, wind, and hydro power - we ensure a reliable and consistent power supply. This project creates jobs, stimulates local economic growth, and promotes energy independence, impacting over 5,000 community members and improving their overall well-being. Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure project success and inform data-driven decision making.

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

Over 1 billion people globally lack access to reliable energy, hindering economic development, education, and healthcare. In off-grid communities, energy poverty perpetuates cycles of poverty, limiting opportunities and exacerbating social inequalities. Our project addresses this critical issue by providing sustainable, community-driven energy solutions, promoting energy independence, and empowering local economies.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Our project offers: 1. Reliable Energy Access: Consistent power supply for homes, businesses, and community facilities, enabling economic growth and development. 2. Economic Empowerment: Creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and promotes energy independence, breaking cycles of poverty. 3. Improved Quality of Life: Enhances healthcare, education, and overall well-being, bridging the energy gap and empowering off-grid communities.

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

Our project targets off-grid communities in rural and remote areas, serving: - Low-income households - Small businesses and entrepreneurs - Community facilities (schools, healthcare centers, etc.) - Local farmers and agricultural cooperatives - Vulnerable populations (women, children, elderly) Our project empowers these groups with reliable energy access, economic opportunities, and improved quality of life, promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

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.)

Renewable Energy Enthusiast - Bachelor's in Engineering, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions - 3+ years of experience in energy project management and community engagement - Passionate about innovative technologies and off-grid energy access Social Impact Entrepreneur - Bachelor's in Business Administration, with a focus on social entrepreneurship - 2+ years of experience in marketing, partnerships, and project development - Dedicated to empowering communities and driving sustainable development

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project supports UN SDG 1 (No Poverty) by: - Providing reliable energy access, enabling economic growth, education, and healthcare - Empowering individuals and communities to break the poverty cycle through economic development and job creation - Engaging local communities in design, implementation, and management, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development By addressing energy poverty and promoting economic empowerment, our project contributes to reducing poverty and ensuring resources and opportunities for all to thrive.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our project supports SDG 4 in rural areas by: - Powering schools with reliable energy, enabling: - Digital learning and access to online resources - Extended study hours and adult literacy programs - Improved learning environments with adequate lighting and ventilation - Empowering communities to prioritize education and support: - Teacher training and capacity building - Community-led initiatives for education and development By addressing energy poverty in rural schools, our project promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our project supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) directly by: - Providing reliable and sustainable energy access to off-grid communities - Promoting renewable energy solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels - Ensuring energy affordability through community-led management and maintenance - Encouraging energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices By increasing access to affordable and clean energy, our project contributes to achieving SDG 7, driving economic growth, and reducing environmental impacts

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our project supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) in the following ways: - Creates jobs and stimulates local economic growth through: - Energy access for businesses and industries - Community-led energy management and maintenance - Entrepreneurship and small-scale enterprise development - Promotes sustainable and inclusive economic development by: - Empowering local communities to manage and benefit from energy resources - Supporting gender equality and women's economic empowerment - Encouraging environmentally sustainable energy practices By providing energy access and promoting local economic development, our project contributes to achieving SDG 8, fostering decent work and sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Our project supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by: - Providing reliable and sustainable energy access for urban and peri-urban areas - Promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices - Encouraging renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels - Supporting energy resilience and adaptability in urban planning and development - Enabling smart grid and energy management systems for efficient energy distribution By addressing energy access and sustainability, our project contributes to achieving SDG 11, making cities and communities more energy-resilient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

2

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

5

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.

6

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

2

05.08 Justification

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

Our main potential competitors are established energy companies and startups offering renewable energy solutions. What makes us stand out is our community-led approach, empowering local communities to manage and benefit from their energy resources. Our project prioritizes community development, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, setting us apart from competitors focused solely on energy provision. Our inclusive and sustainable model ensures long-term impact and community ownership, making us a unique and attractive solution for off-grid communities.

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

No