Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Empower Mama Mbogas! Digi Mama Project by Soko Kijiji aims to equip 10,000 women traders across East Africa with a digital marketplace by 2034. We're expanding their reach & growing their businesses

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Soko Kijiji creates a digital marketplace specifically designed for small-scale women traders ("mama mbogas") operating in open-air markets. This bridges the gap between traditional markets and the growing e-commerce landscape.The platform fosters innovation by providing women traders with access to new e-commerce markets and developing a delivery system that integrates young people into the digital economy.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

Soko Kijiji tackles two main challenges: Limited market access for small-scale women traders: Especially during the pandemic, many women struggled to sell their fresh produce due to limited customer reach and potential lockdowns. Soko Kijiji addresses this by creating a digital marketplace, connecting them with a wider customer base. Lack of job opportunities for young people in the informal sector: Soko Kijiji empowers young people by providing them with decent and reliable income through delivery, market assistance, and packing jobs within the digital platform. By leveraging technology, we creates a win-win situation for both women traders and young people. Women gain access to new markets and can grow their businesses, while young people find sustainable employment and contribute to their communities' well-being.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 3).

We offer a three-pronged benefit for different user groups, Empowering Women Traders: Soko Kijiji expands the market reach of small-scale women traders ("mama mbogas"). By going digital, they can tap into Nairobi's growing online customer base, increasing their sales and income potential. Convenience for Consumers: Consumers enjoy the ultimate convenience of shopping for fresh produce directly from open-air markets through their phones. Soko Kijiji saves them time and money by eliminating the need to visit crowded markets physically. Job Creation for Youth: Soko Kijiji tackles youth unemployment by creating new income opportunities for young people. They can work as delivery riders, market assistants, and packers within the digital platform, contributing to their own well-being and the local economy.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

Small-Scale Women Traders (Mama Mbogas): We partner with these women as suppliers, offering them a B2B solution. Our digital marketplace connects them with a wider customer base in Nairobi, increasing their sales and income potential. Busy Nairobi Consumers: Soko Kijiji caters to three distinct consumer segments: Young Mothers: They can conveniently shop for fresh produce while managing their families, saving them precious time and effort. Budget-Conscious Women: Soko Kijiji allows them to find fresh, affordable options for their households, simplifying grocery shopping. Young Professionals: These time-pressed individuals can prioritize health and well-being by easily ordering fresh produce through the app, freeing up their time for other activities

01.05 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

14/09/2022

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

2

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, etc.).

CHRISTINE WANJIRA Christine has massive experience in customer service having worked with Multinational in the insurance sector ICEA Lion and a holder of MSc Finance from University of Nairobi brings a wealth of experience to the team in building SoKo Platform that aspires to expand across all Africa Major Cities and digitize the informal markets. She is in charge of our customer experience at Soko Kijiji LTD.

01.10 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://sokokijiji.co.ke/

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Technologies de l'information (services numériques, équipements et logiciels)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

6

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Youth Employment: We create decent jobs for young people as delivery riders, market assistants, and packers within the digital platform. This empowers them to earn a sustainable income and escape poverty. Women's Economic Empowerment: We increases income for small-scale women traders ("mama mbogas") by connecting them with a wider customer base. This financial gain helps them improve their livelihoods and contribute to their families' well-being, reducing poverty within their communities.

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji fights hunger (SDG 2) by bridging the gap between fresh produce and Nairobi homes. Our tech platform connects consumers directly with small-scale farmers, ensuring wider access to nutritious fruits and vegetables while empowering local agriculture.

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji empowers Nairobi residents (thousands monthly) to prioritize health (SDG 3) by delivering fresh fruits and vegetables directly to their doorsteps. We make healthy eating convenient, promoting well-being and tackling diet-related health issues.

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Empowering Women Traders: Soko Kijiji tackles gender disparity by directly supporting small-scale women traders ("mama mbogas"). The platform provides them with: Market access: They can reach a wider customer base beyond traditional open-air markets, increasing their sales and income potential. Financial independence: Greater income allows them to gain more control over their economic lives and contribute to their families' well-being. Digital skills development: Participation in the platform can introduce them to basic digital tools and e-commerce concepts. Decent Work for Young Women: Soko Kijiji creates job opportunities for young women within the digital marketplace. They can work as: Delivery riders: This role offers them financial independence and challenges traditional gender norms in the delivery sector. Market assistants and packers: These positions empower young women to participate in the digital economy and gain valuable work experience.

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji tackles inequality (SDG 8) by bringing open-air market vendors and youth into the digital economy. Our platform provides: Women-led businesses: Increased income and market access for small-scale women traders ("mama mbogas"). Youth employment: Decent jobs for young people as delivery riders, market assistants, and packers

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through its focus on technological advancement and infrastructure development, Digital Infrastructure: Soko Kijiji creates a digital marketplace for open-air markets, fostering innovation and e-commerce within the informal sector. This contributes to the development of critical digital infrastructure in Nairobi. Empowering Innovation: The platform empowers small-scale women traders and young people to participate in the digital economy, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Improved Market Efficiency: Soko Kijiji utilizes technology to streamline processes within open-air markets, leading to: More efficient delivery networks Improved inventory management for traders Enhanced data collection on consumer preferences

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

5

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji tackles inequality (SDG 10) through Economic Empowerment: Soko Kijiji provides economic opportunities for two often-marginalized groups: Small-scale women traders: By connecting them to a wider customer base, they can increase their income and gain more control over their financial lives. Young people: The platform offers decent jobs for youth, particularly young women in delivery roles, which can challenge traditional gender norms in the workforce. Digital Divide: Soko Kijiji bridges the digital divide by: Equipping women traders: They gain exposure to e-commerce and basic digital tools, potentially improving their digital literacy. Creating youth jobs in the digital sphere: Young people can participate in the growing digital economy, gaining valuable experience and skills. By creating economic opportunities and promoting digital inclusion, Soko Kijiji helps reduce inequalities and fosters a more equitable and inclusive local economy

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

6

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities in a couple of ways, Reduced Traffic Congestion: By enabling consumers to purchase groceries directly through the app and receive deliveries, Soko Kijiji potentially contibutes to Fewer personal vehicle trips to open-air markets, reducing traffic congestion in Nairobi. Less pollution from vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable urban environment. Supporting Local Businesses: Soko Kijiji strengthens local economies by: Connecting consumers with fresh produce from local small-scale farmers within the open-air markets. Encouraging residents to support local businesses and reduce reliance on potentially less sustainable, long-distance food supply chains.

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Reduced Food Waste: Soko Kijiji helps minimize food waste by: Improved Market Access: Connecting women traders with more consumers allows them to sell more produce, reducing spoilage and waste at open-air markets. Direct Delivery: Delivering directly to consumers minimizes unnecessary handling and potential damage during transportation. Sustainable Consumption: Soko Kijiji promotes responsible consumption patterns by: Local Food Systems: The platform encourages consumers to purchase fresh produce from local farmers, potentially reducing reliance on products with larger carbon footprints due to long-distance transportation and packaging. Convenience: By making it easier to access fresh produce, Soko Kijiji might nudge consumers towards healthier food choices, potentially reducing overall consumption of processed or pre-packaged foods with more wasteful packaging.

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) in Reduced Food Waste: Soko Kijiji help reduce food waste by: Improved Market Access: Connecting women traders with a wider audience helping sell more produce, reduce spoilage and waste at the market level. Direct Delivery: Delivering directly to consumers reducing unnecessary handling and potential damage during transportation, minimizing food waste. Supporting Sustainable Practices: By promoting local food systems we encourage local production: Consumers have access to fresher produce that may not require long-distance transportation with higher carbon footprints. Support smaller farms: These farms often utilize more sustainable practices compared to large-scale industrial agriculture.

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

2

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

4

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

5

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Soko Kijiji contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between different sectors to achieve sustainable development, Public-Private Collaboration: Soko Kijiji bridges the gap between public efforts to promote digital inclusion and private sector innovation in e-commerce. creating a more inclusive digital economy. Stakeholder Partnerships: The platform succeeds through partnerships with: Small-scale women traders: Empowering them to participate in the digital economy. Young people: Providing them with job opportunities within the digital marketplace. Consumers: Offering them convenient access to fresh produce.

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

5

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

3

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

5

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

5

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

5

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

5

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

5

06.08 Justification

Soko Kijiji's uniqueness lies in its focus on a neglected segment of the economy – open-air market vendors. By empowering these women traders and creating job opportunities for youth, the platform fosters economic inclusion. Additionally, we promotes a more sustainable food system by potentially reducing waste and supporting local farmers. Our innovative approach has the potential to be a scalable model for positive social impact, not just in Nairobi, but in other cities facing similar challenges.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our competitors are the brick and motar stores that serve as supermarkets. They are a number of things that makes us stand out, our customer service, freshness of our products and the prices that we sell at and our costs of operation that are really low compared to the brick and mortar stores.

11.05 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

Soko Kijiji promotes female entrepreneurs, specifically small-scale women traders often referred to as "mama mbogas" in Nairobi through; Direct Support for Women-Led Businesses: Soko Kijiji empowers mama mbogas by providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs. Market Access Expansion: The platform connects them with a wider customer base beyond traditional open-air markets, increasing their sales potential and economic independence. Digital Inclusion: Participation in Soko Kijiji can introduce mama mbogas to basic digital tools and e-commerce concepts, empowering them to participate in the growing digital economy.