Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Our innovation, "Mnzeru Mkupangwa," transcends geographic boundaries to address the pervasive challenges faced by farmers across Malawi. The system help farmers share knowledge, skip intermidaries, get answers to other pressing issues etc.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Gusherlabs is a pioneering tech hub dedicated to impacting lives across various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, and energy. We foster local tech excellence by providing ICT services, advocating for technology education, offering mentorship programs, and managing e-waste, all while forging global connections. Through innovative solutions, workshops, mentorships, and collaborative partnerships, we prepare, coach, and equip individuals and communities using technology and innovation. Our approach blends regional talent with global standards, empowering and promoting teamwork to address local challenges and enhance local tech capabilities.

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

As Gusherlabs, we are addressing pressing issues. To begin with, 1. Farming sector: Every year farmers strive to produce food. But intermediaries keep hijacking over them. This affects farmers' standards of living. Our eyes are a witness and so we came up with mnzeru mkupangwa to connect such farmers so that they get the knowledge to increase productivity, have their goods sold to direct markets and stop poverty because as of now, 24% (commercial farmers) of the 7% of our population are still living in poverty. 2. Raising local tech standards to meet the global standards. Our motto is limitless local tech excellence. We have discovered how foreign software companies win contracts without us bridging the gap. Through our initiatives, we train college students practical materials as this again is a problem in our universities. We strive to take and adopt global standards to fill the gap

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).

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" offers several major benefits to farmers. Firstly, it facilitates knowledge sharing among farmers, allowing them to exchange best practices and innovative techniques, which leads to increased productivity and sustainability. Secondly, it eliminates the need for intermediaries, enabling farmers to directly access markets and fair pricing, thus improving their economic empowerment and reducing poverty. Lastly, the system provides timely answers to pressing agricultural issues, helping farmers make informed decisions that enhance food security and ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year. Through these advantages, "Mnzeru Mkupangwa" significantly contributes to the socio-economic development of rural communities.

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

Gusherlabs serve 1. Farmers. We recognise the significance of farmers to the country as food is still is backbone to the country. We target them to get the right knowledge and also have their eyes opened to be able to thrive economically 2. Students. Expose students to the practical world early so that they too can participate globally

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

25/09/2023

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Non

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 ?

0

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

1. Emmanuel Ngwala Electronics and Computer Engineer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Full Stack Developer | Interested in IoT and Artificial intelligence. Was at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Studying Bachelors in Electronics and Computer Engineering. 2. Stephane Patrick. Entrepreneur & Computer Network Engineer | Database Designer | Full-stack Developer . With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Network Engineering from University of Malawi .Collaborated with diverse companies and clients. Passionate about AI, Robotics, and IoT, dedicated to leveraging technology for innovative solutions and impactful outcomes.

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.gusherlabs.com

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

Statistically, intermediaries get double than farmers. Due to lack of knowledge, farmers are unable to store their produce. Mnzeru mkupangwa screened and reversed these by giving farmers the right knowledge and also access direct markets. Farmers will be able to keep their products longer and also sell at reasonable prices eliminating wastes, poverty etc.

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

The knowledge from the platform will help farmers engage in agricultural practices that are sustainable. This is going to propagate all the way to how best they should store the food including best practices, like now most farmers do not store food produce. After they learn, there will be food security all year round. It is evident that as a country, a lot of food is produced and yet most of it is wasted. In a short time, farmers with their families starve and this cause some children to grow with malnutrition. Our strategies aim at deploying weapons that will bring about food security, sustainable agriculture etc.

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

When farmers make wrong decisions, even those depending on them suffer. With extended families, a lot of people suffer including children when farm produce are all sold without anything remaining. Our strategies include helping farmers keep some for the family and also helping them sell at reasonable prices. These two will safeguard their health be it physically, psychologically and mentally. Some farmers use loans when doing farming and because of being pressured, they often sell their produce at low prices which affect their health life afterwards.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our information is screened by those certified in the agricultural sector such as Extension workers etc. and so it is a high quality information that farmers can depend on. In fact, we came up with this idea seeing how farmers were being misled on other platforms when their fields had issues for instance a disease they never knew of etc. This information build farmers on the right things to do instead of following the traditional approaches to farming.

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

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

We allow instructors such as Women, girls whether they have farming experience or are from different university to have their contents on our platform. This way, women and girls are empowered because they too can do amazing and even teach men better

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

4

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

So depending on the course that has been uploading, some information might touch these bases which in the end opens up farmers to manage water for instance in a case where he/she can utilise some space to catch rain water instead of just losing it

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

4

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Again on this, the courses can actually contain such information as part of education

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" promotes decent work and economic growth by empowering Malawian farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their productivity and profitability. By facilitating direct access to markets, it eliminates intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing and increasing farmers' income. The system also offers training and support, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques and fostering sustainable practices. This leads to improved crop yields and food security, contributing to economic stability. By supporting the agricultural sector, which is a significant part of Malawi's economy, our startup helps create sustainable employment opportunities, reduces poverty, and drives inclusive economic growth.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly aligns with industry innovation and infrastructure goals by providing a robust, tech-driven platform that supports agricultural innovation in Malawi. Our system leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver real-time information, resources, and market access directly to farmers, fostering an environment of sustainable industrialization. By connecting farmers with digital tools and knowledge, we help build a resilient agricultural infrastructure that can withstand economic and environmental challenges. Furthermore, by promoting the use of modern farming techniques and facilitating direct market access, we enhance productivity and inclusivity within the agricultural sector, driving overall economic growth and development.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly contributes to reducing inequalities by empowering smallholder farmers in Malawi, who are often marginalized and lack access to resources. Our platform provides equal access to vital agricultural information, training, and market opportunities, enabling farmers from diverse backgrounds to improve their productivity and incomes. By eliminating intermediaries, we ensure that even the smallest farmers receive fair compensation for their products, reducing income disparities. Additionally, by connecting local farmers to global markets and best practices, we help bridge the gap between local capabilities and international standards, fostering a more equitable and inclusive 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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" aligns with the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities by enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural agricultural practices, which directly impacts urban food security and economic stability. By providing farmers with advanced agricultural knowledge and market access, we promote sustainable farming practices that lead to stable food supplies and reduce rural-urban migration pressures. Our platform's focus on fair trade and economic empowerment ensures that rural communities thrive, reducing the socio-economic disparities between rural and urban areas. This holistic approach fosters inclusive, safe, and resilient communities, contributing to the overall sustainability and well-being of both rural and urban settlements.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" supports responsible consumption and production by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing waste. Our platform educates farmers on efficient resource use, crop rotation, and organic farming, leading to environmentally friendly production methods. By enabling direct market access, we reduce food waste typically associated with lengthy supply chains. Furthermore, our system encourages the adoption of a circular economy by facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources among farmers, promoting recycling, and the reuse of agricultural by-products. This approach ensures that production is sustainable, consumption is responsible, and environmental impact is minimized, fostering a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" actively contributes to climate action by promoting sustainable farming practices that mitigate climate change impacts. Our platform educates farmers on techniques such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and organic farming, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil health. Additionally, we provide real-time data and weather forecasts, helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and make informed decisions. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and encouraging eco-friendly practices, we support the transition to a more resilient agricultural system. This proactive approach not only combats climate change but also ensures that farming communities are better equipped to cope with its effects, fostering a sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural sector.

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'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly supports the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting agricultural practices that restore and conserve land. Our platform educates farmers on sustainable farming techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming, which help maintain soil health, prevent land degradation, and combat desertification. By encouraging the responsible use of natural resources, we reduce deforestation and promote biodiversity. Additionally, our system provides real-time data and insights, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that align with environmental conservation goals. Through these efforts, we contribute to the sustainable management of forests, the reversal of land degradation, and the preservation of biodiversity, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" contributes to peaceful and inclusive societies by empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, thus promoting economic stability and reducing poverty-related conflicts. By providing equitable access to market information and fair pricing, we ensure transparency and accountability, fostering trust within agricultural communities. Our platform also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers, strengthening community bonds and promoting social cohesion.

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

"Mnzeru Mkupangwa" strongly supports partnerships for sustainable development by actively collaborating with local and international organizations, governments, and experts. These partnerships enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge technology and resources to farmers, ensuring they benefit from global best practices. By connecting Malawian farmers with international markets and knowledge networks, we bridge the gap between local capabilities and global opportunities. Additionally, our collaborations help mobilize financial, technical, and capacity-building support, vital for scaling our impact. Through these strategic partnerships, we contribute to the collective effort of achieving sustainable development goals, fostering an inclusive and cooperative approach to addressing agricultural challenges in Malawi.

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

1 = Pas du tout d'accord

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

5

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

In Malawi, a lot of effort need to be done to engage farmers in utilising digital ways to improve themselves. So to say this service is new because its way beyond replacing manual papers for instance when it comes to time to travel information from one place to another. Mnzeru mkupangwa offers a range of products including marketplace, courses, information sharing etc. Such service is responding to a demand thats not yet filled but more opportunistic.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Currently, there is no one who is offering what we are offering. We have seen it from afar like in Nigeria but not here

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

Yes, we have just partnered with a female entrepreneur who help farmers in livestock production and she needs help in teaching the students she engages learn Artificial Intelligence