South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

eFama App is a digital marketplace that connects smallholder and semi-commercial farmers directly to commercial buyers and consumers, ensuring fair prices, transparent transactions, and fostering community support among farmers.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

eFama App is an innovative digital marketplace connecting smallholder and semi-commercial farmers directly with buyers and consumers. Our platform tackles barriers to accessing large retail markets, like quality requirements, supply consistency, and complex payments. By offering a streamlined platform, eFama removes intermediaries, ensuring farmers receive payments within 7 days and fair prices. Our market includes households, restaurants, hotels, NGOs, and feeding schemes. Since May 2023, we have onboarded over 6,000 buyers, with 5,000 farmers on our waiting list. eFama helps farmers attain certifications like Global G.A.P, expanding their market reach. Focused on sustainability, community, and innovation, eFama aims to revolutionise Africa's agricultural supply chain.

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

The main problem eFama App addresses is the high barriers smallholder and semi-commercial farmers face in accessing large retail markets. These include stringent quality requirements, inconsistent supply demands, and complex payment terms. Our platform connects farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries, ensuring fair prices, timely payments, and providing resources for necessary certifications like Global G.A.P. This fosters a more inclusive and efficient agricultural supply chain.

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).

Direct Market Access: eFama App connects farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring farmers receive fair prices and timely payments within 7 days. Certification Support: eFama provides resources and guidance for farmers to attain certifications like Global G.A.P, expanding their market reach and meeting stringent buyer requirements. Community Building: eFama fosters a supportive community where farmers can collaborate, share knowledge, and fulfil large orders together, enhancing their overall productivity and market presence.

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

eFama App is aimed at serving smallholder and semi-commercial farmers who struggle to access large retail markets due to stringent quality requirements and complex payment terms. Our primary beneficiaries include these farmers, who gain direct market access and fair pricing for their produce. Additionally, the platform targets commercial buyers such as restaurants, hotels, and NGOs, providing them with a reliable source of high-quality produce. Households and consumers who buy in bulk also benefit from direct access to fresh produce. Overall, eFama fosters a more inclusive and efficient agricultural supply chain, benefiting both producers and consumers.

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

17/04/2023

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 ?

1

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

0

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

Shadrack Kubyane, the CEO and co-founder of eFama App, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the startup. Raised by two generations of farmers, Shadrack has deep-rooted knowledge of the agricultural sector. His corporate career includes a significant role at Deloitte before he ventured into management consulting, where he successfully scaled businesses, including growing an SME from $500 to $2 million in 36 months. Shadrack has previously built Blockchain technologies to address supply chain gaps in Africa, leveraging blockchain technology. Recognised as an authority in blockchain and supply chain management, he frequently publishes thought leadership pieces and speaks at industry events. His qualifications include certifications in Certified Cloud Practitioner, Certified Scrum Master, blockchain, supply chain management, digital transformation, and data science, underscoring his commitment to driving technological innovation and sustainable development in Africa.

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://www.efama.africa/

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'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to No Poverty by empowering smallholder and semi-commercial farmers with direct market access, ensuring they receive fair prices and timely payments. By eliminating intermediaries, farmers see improved income stability. Our platform also supports farmers in achieving certifications like Global G.A.P, expanding their market opportunities. Additionally, eFama fosters a community for knowledge and resource sharing, enhancing productivity and profitability. These initiatives help lift farmers and their families out of poverty, promoting a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Zero Hunger by connecting smallholder and semi-commercial farmers directly with buyers, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, high-quality produce to markets. By eliminating intermediaries, we streamline the supply chain, reducing food waste and inefficiencies. Our platform supports farmers in achieving certifications like Global G.A.P, which helps them meet higher standards and access larger markets. This not only improves farmers' livelihoods but also increases the availability of nutritious food. Additionally, eFama fosters community collaboration, enhancing food production and distribution, thereby contributing to food security and reducing hunger.

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

eFama App contributes to Good Health and Well-being by providing direct access to fresh, high-quality produce from smallholder and semi-commercial farmers. By ensuring fair prices and timely payments, we enable farmers to invest in better farming practices and sustainable methods, resulting in healthier produce. Our platform also reduces the reliance on intermediaries, which helps lower costs and makes nutritious food more affordable and accessible to consumers. Furthermore, by fostering community collaboration and sharing best practices, eFama enhances overall food quality and safety, promoting better health and well-being for all stakeholders involved.

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

6

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Quality Education by providing farmers with valuable resources and training on best agricultural practices, certifications like Global G.A.P, and sustainable farming methods. Our platform offers educational content and access to a community where farmers can share knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences. This continuous learning environment empowers farmers with the skills needed to improve their productivity and profitability. Additionally, by improving farmers' incomes, we enable them to invest in their children's education, thereby contributing to the overall educational development of farming communities. Through these initiatives, eFama supports lifelong learning and the dissemination of essential agricultural knowledge.

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

eFama App strongly supports Gender Equality by creating equal opportunities for both male and female farmers to access markets and resources. Our platform is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that women farmers receive the same fair prices and timely payments as their male counterparts. Over 80% of the workforce in Africa within agriculture and the food supply chain is women. We actively promote female participation in our community, encouraging women to share knowledge, collaborate, and grow their businesses. Additionally, we provide targeted training and resources to empower women farmers, helping them achieve certifications and improve their farming practices. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, eFama helps to break down gender barriers in agriculture, promoting equality and economic empowerment for women in farming communities.

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

2

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Not Applicable

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

eFama App strongly contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing smallholder and semi-commercial farmers with direct access to markets, ensuring fair prices and timely payments. This increases farmers' income stability and economic resilience, allowing them to reinvest in their farms and improve their livelihoods. By eliminating intermediaries, we create a more transparent and efficient supply chain, fostering sustainable economic growth. Our platform also offers training and resources to help farmers achieve certifications and adopt best practices, enhancing their productivity and competitiveness. Furthermore, eFama promotes decent work conditions by supporting farmers' communities, encouraging collaboration, and providing opportunities for skill development, thereby contributing to overall economic growth and improved work standards in the agricultural sector.

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

eFama App strongly contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by leveraging technology to create a digital marketplace that connects farmers directly with buyers. This innovation streamlines the agricultural supply chain, reducing inefficiencies and increasing transparency. Our platform provides farmers with access to modern tools and resources, including certification support and best practice guidelines, enhancing their productivity and market competitiveness. By eliminating intermediaries, we foster a more efficient infrastructure that benefits both producers and consumers. eFama also promotes the use of data analytics to predict market trends and optimise logistics, further driving innovation in the agricultural sector. Through these efforts, we support the development of robust infrastructure and the adoption of innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App strongly contributes to Reduced Inequalities by providing smallholder and semi-commercial farmers, including those from underserved and marginalised communities, direct access to markets. Our platform eliminates intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing and timely payments, which helps bridge the economic gap between large-scale farmers and smaller producers. eFama also offers resources and training for certifications like Global G.A.P, empowering all farmers to meet market standards and compete on equal footing. By fostering a supportive community where farmers can collaborate and share knowledge, eFama promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for growth. This approach not only enhances the livelihoods of disadvantaged farmers but also contributes to a more equitable agricultural sector.

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

6

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting local agriculture and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. By connecting farmers directly with local buyers, our platform supports the development of self-sustaining urban and rural communities. eFama encourages sustainable farming practices and provides resources for certifications like Global G.A.P, which enhance environmental stewardship. Additionally, by fostering a community of farmers who collaborate and share resources, we strengthen social cohesion and resilience. Our efforts help ensure a stable supply of fresh, locally-sourced produce, contributing to the overall sustainability and health of cities and communities.

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

6

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Responsible Consumption and Production by creating a direct link between farmers and buyers, which promotes transparency and reduces food waste. By eliminating intermediaries, we ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, encouraging sustainable farming practices. Our platform provides resources and support for farmers to achieve certifications like Global G.A.P, which promote environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural methods. Additionally, eFama helps optimise supply chains by facilitating the efficient distribution of fresh produce, ensuring that food reaches consumers while it's still fresh, thereby reducing spoilage and waste. Through these initiatives, eFama fosters a more sustainable agricultural system that supports responsible consumption and production patterns, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of communities.

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

5

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Climate Action by promoting sustainable agricultural practices among smallholder and semi-commercial farmers. Our platform encourages the adoption of eco-friendly methods and provides resources for achieving certifications like Global G.A.P, which include guidelines for environmental protection. By connecting local farmers directly with buyers, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. Additionally, eFama fosters a community where farmers can share knowledge about sustainable practices and innovations, further enhancing their ability to mitigate climate impacts. These efforts contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector, aligning with global climate action goals.

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

3

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'

5

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App contributes to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering transparency and fairness in the agricultural supply chain. By eliminating intermediaries, we ensure that farmers receive fair prices and timely payments, reducing economic disparities and fostering trust among stakeholders. Our platform promotes equitable access to markets and resources, empowering smallholder and semi-commercial farmers. By adhering to certification standards like Global G.A.P, we support ethical practices and compliance with regulations, enhancing the credibility and accountability of the agricultural sector. Additionally, eFama's community-building efforts encourage collaboration and mutual support, contributing to social cohesion and stability, which are essential for peaceful and strong institutions

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

eFama App strongly contributes to Partnerships for the Goal by actively collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, commercial buyers, certification bodies, and technology providers. Our platform facilitates partnerships that enhance market access, promote sustainable farming practices, and ensure fair trade. By working closely with organisations like Global G.A.P, we help farmers achieve necessary certifications, opening up new market opportunities. Additionally, our collaborations with logistics providers streamline the supply chain, reducing inefficiencies and waste. eFama fosters a community of farmers who share knowledge and resources, further strengthening these partnerships. Through these collaborative efforts, we drive collective progress towards sustainable agriculture and economic growth, contributing significantly to global development goals.

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

7 = Tout à fait d'accord

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

4

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

2

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

4

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

4

06.08 Justification

There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the one we envision creating. A good example is Checkers Sixty60, a grocery delivery app launched in November 2019, which accumulated over 3.1 million downloads by March 2023. Currently, Checkers Sixty60's revenue is estimated at 96 billion ZAR. This demonstrates that South African consumers are already embracing buying food online, indicating a strong market readiness for eFama App’s innovative platform that connects farmers directly with buyers.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our main potential competitors include Checkers Sixty60, OneCart, Zulzi, and KHULA. Checkers Sixty60 is a grocery delivery app with over 3.1 million downloads and significant revenue. OneCart and Zulzi offer similar grocery delivery services, while KHULA provides software tools for agriculture and food businesses, including marketing, trade, and procurement platforms. What sets eFama App apart is our unique focus on connecting smallholder and semi-commercial farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries. This ensures farmers receive fair prices and timely payments, enhancing income stability and economic resilience. Additionally, eFama supports farmers in achieving industry certifications opening larger market opportunities. Our platform fosters a collaborative community where farmers share knowledge and resources, enhancing productivity and sustainability, and providing consumers with fresh, locally-sourced produce.

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

Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community through several initiatives: Targeted Recruitment: We prioritise recruiting women-led farms and those employing significant numbers of women, aligning with the fact that 80% of the agricultural workforce in Africa is female. Capacity Building: We offer specialised training programmes focused on agricultural and entrepreneurial skills, especially for young women and marginalised communities, empowering them for leadership roles. Female Engineering and Leadership: With an engineering team that is 60% female and a 51% female ownership, we continuously recruit and support female engineers, reinforcing our commitment to technological innovation and providing role models in STEM fields. These actions collectively enhance economic opportunities and leadership for women in agriculture and entrepreneurship.