Nigeria - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

We aim to solve the problem of plastic pollution caused by the retail of potable water in plastic bags. Our vision is to install solar powered smart potable water metering stations in close proximity to densely populated areas across the nation.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

The project consists of the development of a solar powered smart water metering stations . This would be a fully automated station where customers buy water units through our app, then walk into any of the stations when thirsty to buy chilled or normal water in reusable cans. The power requirements for communication, dispensing and refrigeration would come from an in-built PV system. Partnership deals would be made with existing portable water companies willing to leave business as usual to operate in a sustainable way. Our company would undertake retails services in their regions of coverage while they continue the sales of water in dispensing gallons and bottles which are easily recycled, but not plastic bags. To encourage adoption, Users would be assigned 'plastic credits', equivalent to the volume of plastic wastes they had avoided. In the future, FMCG companies packaging with nylon bags could buy back these credits as part of their CSR. Users get water credit in return.

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

Environmental pollution Nigeria is ranked as one of the largest producers of plastic waste in Africa, with an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually. A significant portion of this waste comes from disposable plastic water sachets. The environmental impact is severe, as improper disposal and lack of recycling infrastructure result in widespread plastic pollution. The carbon footprint associated with traditional water purification and distribution methods is another concern. Many Nigerian households and communities rely on energy-intensive processes such as boiling water using fossil fuels. The extensive use of single-use plastic packaging further increase the carbon foot print of this industry. Access to clean water This is a critical issue in Nigeria too. According to the World Health Organization, over 60 million Nigerians lack access to a clean and reliable water supply. My solution seeks to reduce plastic wastes and increase access to drinking water.

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

Enhanced Accessibility to Clean Water: By providing self-service, fully automated stations, users have 24/7 access to safe, clean drinking water. This significantly improves water accessibility in urban and semi-urban areas, addressing a critical public health need. Environmental Sustainability: The project reduces plastic waste by encouraging the use of reusable containers and awarding 'plastic credits' for avoiding plastic bags . These credits can be exchanged for water, promoting eco-friendly consumer behavior. The use of solar power for the stations further promotes sustainability and the use of renewable energy sources. Economic and Social Impact: Partnerships with existing portable water companies create new business opportunities and drive economic growth. The 'plastic credits' system also engages FMCG companies in CSR activities, fostering a circular economy. Consumers benefit by earning water credits, enhancing community participation in environmental conservation.

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

Urban and Semi-Urban Residents: Individuals living in areas with limited access to clean and reliable drinking water. These residents benefit from the convenience and reliability of 24/7 access to safe water. Environmentally Conscious Consumers: People who are motivated to reduce their plastic waste and engage in sustainable practices. Portable Water Companies: Businesses looking to operate sustainably and expand their reach. By partnering with our project, these companies can enhance their services and participate in a circular economy. FMCG Companies: Corporations interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. They can purchase 'plastic credits' to offset their environmental impact, supporting sustainability efforts. Community Members: Overall, the entire community benefits from improved water access, reduced environmental pollution, and economic opportunities created through new partnerships and incentives.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

13/04/2024

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

2

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

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

Mrs. Abutu Gift Ehikowoicho Mrs Gift worked with a portable water production and distribution company. She has ample experience in the pure water production industry, having worked both as a sales representative and production line inspector respectively. she will be in charge of developing the project's profitable partnership with water purification companies. Mr Isaac Ifeakachi Nwankwo is a senior software engineer with 5 years cognate experience in web and app development. He has as well successfully occupied many leadership positions in the tech industry. He will be in charge of developing and managing the project's digital infrastructures. He is proficient in the use of a wide range of programming languages, project management software and various skills sets required for the effective implementation of a software project.

01.09 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 :

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

j) Services publics

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

5

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project can help alleviate poverty indirectly by providing affordable access to clean water, reducing healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases, and creating economic opportunities through new business partnerships and employment.

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

4

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project ensures 24/7 access to safe and clean drinking water, significantly improving public health by reducing waterborne diseases. Clean water is fundamental for maintaining health and well-being.

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

4

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Providing automated water metering stations directly addresses the need for clean and accessible water, a core aspect of this SDG. The project promotes hygiene and sanitation by making safe water readily available.

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

6

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project employs solar energy to power the water stations, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promoting the use of clean, affordable energy.

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

5

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By partnering with existing water companies and creating new business opportunities, the project supports economic growth and generates employment in the regions it serves.

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The integration of smart technology and renewable energy into public water services exemplifies innovative infrastructure development, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

4

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project contributes to building sustainable communities by providing essential services, reducing plastic waste, and utilizing renewable energy, aligning with the goals of sustainable urban development.

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The 'plastic credits' system encourages consumers to avoid plastic waste, promoting responsible consumption. The use of reusable materials and sustainable practices aligns with the goal of responsible production.

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

6

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By leveraging solar power, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change impacts, supporting global climate action efforts.

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

6

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Reducing plastic waste through direct metering to consumers and the 'plastic credits' initiative helps to decrease pollution in water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems and life below water.

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The reduction in plastic waste and the use of sustainable practices also benefit terrestrial ecosystems by reducing land pollution and promoting biodiversity conservation.

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

4

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

6

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project's promotes partnerships with existing water companies, FMCG corporations, and other stakeholders. These collaborations are crucial for achieving shared sustainability goals and fostering multi-sectoral cooperation.

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

2

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer 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

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

2

05.08 Justification de mon projet

The solar-powered smart water metering station combines renewable energy, automated water dispensing, smart metering, and an environmental incentive system into a single solution, creating an entirely new type of service that doesn't currently exist in the market. The integration of smart metering technology, mobile app connectivity, and automated dispensing systems classifies this project as new technology, leveraging modern innovations for sustainable water access and management. This project improves existing water dispensing services by offering 24/7 access and incentivizing plastic waste reduction, thus enhancing convenience, sustainability, and environmental impact. By partnering with local water companies, this project extends traditional water supply services into a modern, automated, and eco-friendly domain. The project addresses unmet needs for sustainable, automated, and accessible clean water dispensing, providing a solution that current services fail to deliver.

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

Potential competitors are mainly traditional drinking water production companies. However, these features set us apart: Innovative Technology: Our station integrates solar power, smart metering, and mobile app connectivity, offering a modern, sustainable, and convenient water access solution not widely available in the market. Environmental Sustainability: The inclusion of a 'plastic credits' system promotes eco-friendly behavior and plastic waste reduction, distinguishing us as an environmentally conscious choice. Accessibility and Convenience: Providing 24/7 access to clean water with options for chilled or normal water appeals to consumer preferences for convenience and flexibility, setting us apart from traditional water delivery services. Partnerships and Integration: Collaborating with local water companies and leveraging existing infrastructure ensures seamless integration and widespread availability, giving us a competitive edge in market penetration and service reliability.

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

I have initiated actions within my sphere of influence to promote the role of female entrepreneurs in the following ways 1. Patronizing female entrepreneurs in a male dominated niche. My former role as a manager of a precast concrete revealed the struggle of women to survive in building materials business. I therefore had a policy to buy from businesses run by women, as long as they offer my desired quality at a fair price. 2. Youth coaching As a youth coach supervising about 300 youths of which at least half of them are females. I use my platform to teach the females under me the importance of entrepreneurship and why they should participate. Over the years I have watched some of them decide to explore entrepreneurship with the skills they acquired in trainings and online.