Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project is the construction of a 1MW 3D solar panel power plant that is incorporated with Artificial intelligence to feed into the national grid,with the aim to alleviate electrical power deficit in Zimbabwe using renewable and greener alternatives.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

A 1MW 3D solar power plant has the capacity to give 4000kmh a day which can feed into the national grid with the aim of alleviate national power insufficiencies . Artificial intelligence powered designs enhance the functionality of photovoltaic power stations by identifying, sorting and forecasting abnormalities while planning scheduled maintenance. A utility scale project such as this requires an average pre-seed round funding of $300 000.we can enter into a patnership with companies such as Distributed Power Africa . They specialize in installation of solar plants using power purchase agreements where they do setups and the client pays over a time period of 15 years. Zimbabwe sells its electricity at 0.08kmh so the 4000kmh can be sold at $0.05kmh to generate $200 daily, other methods of generating income such as a solar shop selling panels, inverters and other solar products are to be integrated into the project.land in a strategic location for the power plant is already available.

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

The main problem we're trying to solve is electrical power dificiency. At peak Zimbabwe requires 5.2mw daily but can only produce 2.6mw and this has seen us relying on neighboring countries for power which is affecting the balance of payment, so a solar plant would be an import substitute there by reducing imports. Zimbabwe's power generation primarily relies on a combination of hydro-power which is affected by weather patterns and coal fired generators which produce carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, hence realiance on solar is a significant move towards a reliable, sustainable, affordable energy sources. Moreso, another problem we're trying to solve through the integration of AI are production delays and machine breakdowns caused by electrical loadshedding during unscheduled maintenances by power stations. Conclusively, this project will also solve the problem of unemployment as we aim to employ the youth from engineers to grass cutters as we face an unemployment rate of 62%

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

Solar energy is a green, emission free and sustainable form of energy. Unlike gas, coal and wind turbines which have recently proven to cause health issues to nearby communities, solar plants do not release harzadous toxins or greenhouse gases as it's major benefits. secondly,there's a constant energy supply from the sun's renewable energy which makes it invaluable in providing abundance of energy and to maintain a consistent power output levels and promotes energy independence.Thirdly, solar energy is a one-time investment which means power becomes cheaper in the long run and factories will not have to shutdown due to power dificiency or incure high costs of production as the 500% increment by the Zimbabwe Power company has an immeasurable impact on companies , which makes this project to be a perfect catalyst to economic revival.Lastly, the government will be able to meet its target of producing 6mw of power daily by 2030 therefore this project is paramount in achieving those goals

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

In Zimbabwe, utility scale projects are accorded national status which means this project will benefit the residence of Zimbabwe at large as the energy generated would be fed into the national grid and mini-grids to cater for remote areas with no access to power.Moreso, replacing fossil fuels with solar power plants promotes a healthy environment by reducing global warming and carbon footprint which is beneficial to all life forms globally. This project also belies on equity gap in access to inexpensive clean energy and also allows town counsils to pump clean, fresh water as the power difieciency has seen Zimbabwe battling a cholera outbreak earlier this year. So this will also benefit the ministry of health in trying to curb waterbone diseases and also banks will be able to keep their systems online as this has affected the banking systems. In conclusion, young women will also benefit from this as we aim to employ female graduates in relevant positions to encourage women empowerment

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-09

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.)

Jacqueline Munayiwa - female aged 32 years with expertise in business management and entrepreneurship. Jacqueline is also the secretary of Ridgemont Makoti's club a female oriented cooperative. In 2019 she was one of the 400 young entrepreneurs to qualify for (CBZ) Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe 's youth entrepreneurship program. Even though financial help was not received, a lot of entrepreneurial skills were imparted. She will occupy the position of project manager 2.Cornelius Matsambire 35 year old male - degree in software programming and has 15 years of experience in the field. With expertise in artificial intelligence and programming Mr Matsambire has worked with organizations such as Midlands State University. N. B* though still on idea stage, a lot of research has been done through engaging with engineers, artificial intelligence experts and others in the solar industry

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 contributes to the no poverty goal by providing electricity at a lower rate to rural areas thereby increasing their standard of living. More so, this profect reduces factories' cost of production so companies will have to employ more, through job creation. Energy poverty which is lack of access to modern energy service in the home as led people to use dangerous and inefficient cooking systems. With Zimbabwe facing an average of 18 hours of loadshedding, this has also led people to spend more hours searching for power sources instead of economic empowerment

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our project contributes to the zero hunger goal by the fact that with solar power plants, farmers get bumper harvests and more production done in farms as they're able to pump water during dry spells. Even community gardens in urban areas can put drip pipes and other irrigation practices with the water from electric powered boreholes. Additionally, lower levels of unemployment =zero hunger so this project will dramatically improve the lives people as incessant power cuts have caused a reduction in food production

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

This project ensures good health and well being goal by its introduction of Mini-grids to the energy sector in Zimbabwe which will power medical facilities and clinics in remote areas therefore increasing health care services and also in urban areas this intervention helps to ensure constant and cost effective access to electricity for uninterrupted health services

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Electrical power dificiency has caused many students to be below par as they cannot study or do their assignments in the night due to power cuts, so with this project, students are able to study and those who are doing Information Technology will not have their computer labs closed down due to electrical power cuts. So this project will have a strong impact on education. Th

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

This project is gender responsive As mentioned above, we intend to bring women from the surrounding communities with the help of the city counsil and town mayor to create a cooperative where by they will farm a community garden and the project will provide them with the electricity to pump water and irrigate their gardens, this will provide women with food and income and also reduce their dependance on men which sometimes causes gender based violence . The produce will be theirs to sell at the market, thus promoting the gender equality goal . Moreso, we also intend to hire qualified female students from the gweru polytechnic college under the guidance of qualified experts.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

With the use of electrical pumps, this solar power project will promote the availability of clean water and sanitation especially in urban areas as waterbone diseases are killing people through consumption of water from unclean sources due to power shortages in Zimbabwe. Reducing the gap between supply and demand of water will ensure that town counsils are able to supply residence with clean water

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

There is undeniable evidence that solar power plants provide us with affordable and clean energy as solar plants are a one time investment which needs minimal daily maintenance which makes it affordable over time and solar panels do not pollute water or the environment compared to other forms of energy

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Solar power plants are essentially the catalistic solution to economic growth especially in less developed countries, as it stands, Zimbabwe has one of the highest electricity tariffs in the southern African region and this has dropped investor confidence in our economy with premiere companies opting to up and sell their businesses due to incessant power cuts, and exorbitant electricity tariffs hike. Power deficiency has also caused an imbalance in the country's balance of payment as imports now exceed exports. Manufacturers are now preferring to import and put a markup than to produce their own products. This has seen basic commodities rising above what an ordinary citizen can afford. Additionally, the solar power plant will directly and indirectly create decent work to the youths and also divert them from drug and substance abuse

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Artificial intelligence enhanced power plants are an enormous industry innovation in Zimbabwe as they would be helpful in system optimization to maximize energy production and minimize costs . Moreso, Renewable and clean energy is a significant move towards fostering industry innovation and infrastructure as it allows the building of resilient infrastructures through collaborations with other industries and by deploying mini and microgrids we can enhance energy access and reliability to rural areas, powering essential services such as health care and farms to reduce global hunger

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

This project is of paramount importance in reducing inequality within and amongst countries as it aims to lead in enhanced energy access in vulnerable communities thereby strengthening livelihoods in Zimbabwe. With overall electrification of 44%, this has resulted in loss in production in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and tourism. So support in investment worthy renewable energy projects such as this one will greatly reduce the gap in inequality amongst developing countries such as Zimbabwe and developed countries such as South Africa in the same region.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Mini-grids can be used to accelerate electricity access to remote populations that have potential for economies of scale, thereby sustaining cities and communities. With these measures, many growth points can elevate their status to towns and cities as they can have efficient running factories in remote areas therefore attracting private investment.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Poor demand forecasts can lead to power outages, burnouts and renewable energy curtailment but AI interegrated systems can identify intricate usage patterns to ensure responsible consumption and production. These initiatives would help companies and homes to ensure sustainable consumption and production as solar energy is sustainable its self and renewable each day. During days of low sunlight, the power that was saved up in lithium batteries and generators can come in handy to ensure continuity of production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Solar power plants are the urgent action we need to combat global climate change and it's impacts as they provide emission free energy and this will also reduce the inevitable need for firewood in rural areas and urban areas leading to deforestation

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Installation and maintenance of solar panels do not leak any oils or toxins that might pollute water bodies so it conserves life below water

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project contributes to the life on land goal as it promotes a cleaner environment free from toxins thereby protecting life and ecosystems, sustainable forests. Additionally, this project does not involve any land degradation as solar panels are easy to install

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Energy is fundamental to our civilization for the prosperity of institutions and nations. It's production, distribution and utilization is deeply imbeded in our economies and foster relations between states, peaceful and inclusive societies therefore, this project is pivotal in promoting the peace justice and strong institutions goal

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our project strongly strengthens the means to revitalize the global patnership for sustainable development goals, amongst the government and private sector entities fostering engagement between renewable energy financiers and developers, this is critical in achieving the goal for patnership and ensuring access to realiable, affordable and sustainable clean energy for all. The government of Zimbabwe through its renewable energy laws and regulations(NREP) has already encouraged the private sector to engage in renewable energy projects through 5 year tax relaxation measures to achieve this mandate

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.

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

05.08 Justification

Solar power plants are not a new idea but the integration of Artificial intelligence into solar power plants are still relatively an innovative idea especially in less developed countries. Solar power plants are unique and innovative in that they generate an issential energy source that makes all life in earth possible. Recent advances in solar through Artificial intelligence algorithms include greater solar cell efficiency and introduction to advanced manufacturing techniques which makes it an innovative alternative. In Zimbabwe, these measures can alter and renew the old ways of generating energy which reduces our dependency on fossil fuels and cut costs,this makes the project quite unique as it not only focuses on energy provision. For our economy to restore its "bread basket of Africa" status Mini-grids also play a part in the uniqueness of the project idea as the innovative side of it encourages private invest in off-grid areas

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

A few measures are being implemented to curb power defiency, these include what they are calling "life extension projects" in Zimbabwe. A thermal power station in matebeleland north Hwange, which was commissioned in 2018 to generate 300MW of power with a power line of 368km sources its water from Zambezi river and a 5MW solar power plant in Seke and SolGas in Mtoko. What makes our project stand out is the use of 3D printed solar Panels, Artificial intelligence and solar digitalization which can enhance functionality and solar panel yields which is advantageous to us, as our competitors have not adopted yet initiatives yet. We have no immediate competitor as all of these projects are in other provinces and are beneficial to where they are and none from where we intend to do our project which is midlands province. Gweru is the 4th largest city with many businesses that can benefit from this project. This makes this project the first of its kind in Midlands.

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

Currently, I'm the secretary of Ridgemont Makoti's club which is a cooperative of women who came together to support one another in entrepreneurship and other life endeavors in Ridgemont gweru . We have a program where we teach women to make household detergents, poultry and farming to enhance women empowerment and we also work with the ministry of women Affairs and other non-governmental organizations such as women in communities. With this project we can also extend these initiatives to other communities through providing them with electricity for their cooperative gardens through the use of mini and microgrids or alternatively solar pumps