Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Roomy Afrika Is an accommodation rental/space sharing application that seeks to connect the landlords to their tenant and vice versa. The app is based on a matching system where a user posts their accommodation request and it is published on the network.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Roomy Afrika Is an accommodation rental/space sharing application that seeks to connect the landlords to their tenant and vice versa. The app is based on a matching system where a user posts their accommodation request and it is published on the network of registered home/accommodation owners. The app will send push notifications when someone is interested in a property. When a home owner accepts the request there is a match. The property owner will see requests which match their pre-set guest profile and they can instant message to discuss further. A home owner will not receive notifications for accommodation requests if their property is currently booked. All payments done on the platform will be kept in a secure escrow system administered by roomy and will only be released after the guest has received service.Future updates will integrate building a community of travellers through space sharing.

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

Difficulty finding suitable accommodation: Zimbabwe's housing market might have limited options, especially for short-term stays or specific needs.Roomy Afrika can connect tenants with a wider variety of accommodation options. Lack of transparency and security in traditional rentals: Traditional rentals might involve informal agreements or finding tenants through word-of-mouth. Roomy Afrika can provide a secure platform with clear terms and conditions. Difficulty for property owners to find suitable tenants: Finding reliable tenants can be challenging, especially for short-term rentals. Roomy Afrika can connect property owners with a pool of potential tenants. Lack of community for travellers (future update): Travellers might struggle to connect with other travellers or locals. Roomy Afrika can foster a community feeling through future features

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

Increased Choice and Transparency: Roomy Afrika connects tenants with a wider variety of accommodation options, particularly for short-term stays or specific needs that might be limited in traditional markets. Additionally, the platform offers a secure space with clear terms and conditions, replacing informal rental agreements. This transparency benefits both tenants and landlords. Improved Matching and Security: The matching system ensures property owners see requests aligning with their pre-set guest profiles, leading to better tenant selection. Furthermore, the escrow system managed by Roomy Afrika holds payment until the stay is complete, offering financial security for both parties. Potential for Community Building (Future Benefit): Roomy Afrika's future plans to build a community for travellers hold promise. This could connect travellers with each other and locals, enhancing their experience in Zimbabwe.

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

Tenants seeking wider options: Those who struggle to find suitable accommodation, particularly for short-term stays or with specific needs (furnished apartments, pet-friendly rentals). Roomy Afrika offers a wider variety of options compared to traditional methods. Tenants seeking security and transparency: People who are wary of informal rental agreements or finding tenants through word-of-mouth. Roomy Afrika provides a secure platform with clear terms and conditions, protecting both parties. Property owners seeking reliable tenants: Landlords who face challenges finding reliable tenants, especially for short-term rentals. Roomy Afrika connects them with a pool of potential tenants who have expressed interest and fit their pre-set guest profile.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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

0

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.)

This idea is solely Langanani Dube's idea, Langanani Dube is a BA: Communications sciences graduate with certifications in Entrepreneurship and Business Development , she is also a Co-Founder to a renewable energy and construction startups. With more than 10 years experience working in the private sector.

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?

k) Property (real estate)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By promoting transparency and security in rentals, Roomy Afrika can empower women who might face challenges in traditional rental agreements.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The platform can create new income opportunities for property owners and potentially generate jobs in property management or related services.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

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

By facilitating access to safe and affordable housing options, Roomy Afrika contributes to this goal.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration between Roomy Afrika, government agencies, and housing organizations could further enhance the platform's impact.

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

2

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

5

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

05.08 Justification

1. Addressing Information Asymmetry:Traditional methods like word-of-mouth or limited online listings might make it difficult for tenants to discover the full range of accommodation options, particularly those suited for short-term stays or specific needs. Roomy Afrika, by creating a centralized platform with a matching system, can address this information asymmetry and offer a wider variety of choices to tenants. 2. Enhancing Security and Transparency: Informal rental agreements are common in Zimbabwe. Roomy Afrika can introduce innovation by offering a secure platform with clear terms and conditions for both tenants and landlords. This can include features like: Escrow System: Holding payments until the stay is complete protects both parties. Standardized Agreements: Clear contracts outlining expectations minimize misunderstandings. Verification System: Verifying user identities can build trust. 3. Streamlining matching process

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

Property Book and Real Estate agents, while the 2 offer almost similar services , property book only lists the tenant property and whatever happens after is no longer in their hands whereas we take care of both the tenant and landlord making sure there is transparency and accountability between both parties ,we understand both tenant and landlord need each other. Real estate agents charge exorbitant amounts to look for houses on behalf the tenant and landlord going as much as 40USD per search whereas our services will be on 2usd subscription per month and 1 month free trial for new customers .We save our customers the time and resources needed when searching for houses or tenant door to door or through traditional means of word of mouth referrals.

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

n/a