Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

This project targets the rural populations of Malawi, specifically, that of Chitipa district. The aim is to embrace digital literacy and close the digital divide in rural communities. Youths, women and disadvantaged groups are the primary targets.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

GSG Digital and Innovation Center was founded in September 2022, and was officially registered with the MRA and Registrar General in May 2023. The main reason for our existence is the high digital divide as well as digital illiteracy amongst rural populations; Chitipa among others registers 71% digital illiteracy rate of its population. This high rate accounts to poor infrastructures in the district, poor internet connectivities, low income levels of the community members, low literacy levels among others. These factors have resulted in poor social and economic development of the district regardless of its neighbourhood with Tanzania and Zambia. As a center, we aim at transforming the district socially as well as economically thereby improving the living standards of the people. We plan to attain this by offering digital skills training such as graphics design, data entry & analysis, computer operations, computer programming, entrepreneurship, social media management, and many other.

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

High digital illiteracy rate and digital divide are prevalent in rural populations of Chitipa district as 71% of the district's population are digitally illiterate and also cannot access digital technological tools. These are understood to arise due to the fact that there is poor infrastructural development in the district, poor internet connectivity, weak financial muscles of its citizens and well as low education levels in most of the parts of the district.

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).

The first major benefits is that our digital skills training will empower these rural populations for them to leverage technology in an innovative way, enhancing creativity and problem-solving among others. Secondly, these digital skills trainings will enhance their employability more especially those who are looking for jobs. This is so because most jobs today require digital competencies. Additionally, our digital skills training more especially social media management courses will help these rural people get connected with different people across the globe. This we believe will help them to reach to potential customers, granters as well as professionals that can help them in driving their career. Not only that, they can use social media to access online learning, expand their market and boost their brand recognition. Finally, our services are of economic value to these rural populations. For example, graphics design, computer programming among can help them earn a living.

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

Our primary targets are Youths, womens including the advantaged ones. We believe that youths as well as women are the potential transformers of our economy. By empowering them with digital skills, we will help them to personally grow and venture into various economic activities that will help to uplift their communities.

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

12/05/2023

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 ?

1

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

Grace Mhone who is the co-founder of GSG digital and innovation center is a holder of a diploma in data entry and analysis, monitoring and evaluation which she obtained from Excellency Assured research company. Additionally, Grace holders a certificate in Primary and Community Health Care Promotion which she obtained from Mzuzu University. Grace is our Finance Director who oversee the transactions of the Center. Apart from being the finance director, Grace is also our graphics designer who is responsible for all the communication and or advertisement art of the center.

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://web.facebook.com/gift.magawa.96

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

Our services promotes personal growth or branding. The skills attained through training with us helps them to increase their income by selling their skills. For instance, from our first cohort, three young ones have emerged as graphics designer who help people in designing birthday cards, wedding cards, fliers, posters and many more. These youths are able to make a living out of the skills they gained from us. Additionally, five other youths have managed to secure jobs; others as statistical clerks in the Ministry of Heath while one as a sales person. This means our services contribute directly to ending poverty amongst the youths and women and those disadvantaged people in rural communities of Chitipa

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

6

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our digital skills training and access to tech tools gives these rural populations access to online education and training on agriculture through which they can learn and adopt better ways of farming to improve crop production. Not on;y that, but also these digital skills such as social media helps these people access information pertaining to agriculture. For example, they can be informed about weather forecasts, market prices of their commodities and even better practices that lead to high production. Additionally, with the coming in of E-commerce in Malawi, our services acts as a bridge to help these rural people have access to online marketing platforms where they can sell their produce and improve their incomes.

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

6

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

One way in which our services ensure Good Health and Well-Being of people is by helping these rural people to access reliable health information online which can help them make informed decisions about their haelth and lifestyle. For example, if one attains internet and browsing skills, s/he will be able to go on the Ministry of Health page and access the information for their own betterment. Also, since we have contributed three guys to the ministry of health as statistical clerk, we believe these guys will help in health data entry and analysis. This will help in making decisions and policies about health related interventions. Again with digital skills, they are able to access/navigate online health services. For instance, one can make an appointment with a healthcare provider, access results of a test as well as communicating with the healthcare workers.

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 digital skills training provides students with crue on how they can access vast amount of information and educational resources online. I believe that this helps in broadening one's knowledge and understanding of concepts beyond classroom or our syllabus-based textbooks. Also, with digital tools such as educational softwares, multimedia presentations and simulations, students are able to understand complex subjects and enjoy their learning since these tools facilitate interactive and engaging learning. Additionally, proficiency in digital skills is essential nowadays. Every aspects of life requires someone to have digital skills. So, by training people in digital skills, we are preparing them for future careers, equipping them with the necessary skills for the personal and professional development. Finally, digital skills connect students to global learning communities, fostering cultural exchange. Our initiative acts as a bridge for them to get connected to the outside world

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

My initiative provides equal opportunity for boys and girls, women and men in rural populations to access digital skills training as well as digital tools. This is in attempt to bridge the educational gap as well as skills development gap between these two sexes. Not only that, but also, will equal assesses my initiative is trying to empower both genders economically in such a way that they have equal opportunities to employment. With these skills even womens will be able to work in high-ranked positions that demands digital skills. By incorporating entrepreneurship training to digital skills training, my initiative is enabling both sexes to have access to information on how they can start and grow their businesses in this digital era. Our trainings equip them with social media experience; how they can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram to scale-up their businesses as well as fostering their innovations.

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

5

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal in that it helps the clients to have access to information on water as well as sanitation. With the free internet hich we provide to our clients, they are able to go on the internet and learn on how they can keep water clean as well as maintaining their surroundings clean. Also, the trainings encourage and instil innovation and the development of new technologies for water purification, waste management, and sanitation infrastructures. I am assured that with the training they are accessing, they will be able to come up with initiatives that will help to conserve their water bodies as well as ways of purifying water for household use. Finally, with digital skills, they can be able to develop initiative to contain disasters such as floods before and after. The skills gained in accessing information online will help them to advance their thinking and creative ability in managing water and their surroundings.

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

5

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Digital skills training such as computer programming will enable these rural people to develop and adopt smart technologies to monitor and manage energy consumptions. They will be able to develop systems that optimize energy use in their homes. With these digital skills training, i am assured that the people we train will be able to develop and improve renewable energy storage solutions such as solar panels. The trainings we offer fosters innovation and instil knowledge in software development that i believe will help these beneficiaries to create more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy systems. Finally, the fact that we also offer internet services, i believe that by accessing digital platforms, these people are well informed about the benefits of clean energy and energy conservation. These people whom we train will act as information disseminators who can bring awareness to their respective communities hence adoption to clean energy in these rural communities.

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

Our digital skills training are crafted in such a way that they increase individual's chances of being employed. Our syllabus is developed in such a way that it aligns well with the industrial needs. By offering a range of programs from simple to complex, we make sure that these rural populations gain the desired skills for them to stand and compete with their fellows. My initiative also prepares these rural people with appropriate digital skills that can help them work remotely. For instance, courses like data management using web-based platforms like Google sheets as well as visual conferencing apps such as Zoom and Google meet equip these people with the right skills to work remotely while at home more especially in the work of pandemics such as COVID-19. Again, our trainings focus much on boosting individual productivity. I personally believe in personal blanding and digital skills is just one way of attaining that. And, my initiative bridges the gap for marginalized groups.

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

By finding ourselves in rural areas, we are fostering infrastructural development in these areas. My initiative is there to attract more developments in these rural areas and enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Not only that, but also, it supports the digital transformation of these rural communities to improve business processes, customer experience as well as increase competition and initiate growth of these rural communities. My startup also enable collaboration between rural communities and urban populations. It acts as a bridge for both parties to link one another. For instance, our last project in 2023 where we targeted primary school learners attracted different stakeholders who came to have interaction with these young ones on their experience upon receiving these digital skills training.

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

My startup contributes to reduced in equality in that it provide rural populations with access to digital trainings as well as digital tools. This enables them to equally have access to information in different aspects of their daily lives. Not only that, the trainings also help them to have an equal chance of being employed in this digital era. Besides, these trainings offers equal opportunity to these rural opportunities for them to access free online educational resources as well as learning platforms that can help them advance their skills and become equally innovative and productive as those in urban areas. Finally, by considering the marginalized groups, my initiative closes the digital gap and divide by helping those financially challenged youths and women have access to digital skills training and realize their dreams.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Training in digital skills enhance public service development. For example, with the introduction of e-governance platforms, citizens upon gaining digital skills can access public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation with ease. These platforms improve service delivery making most of the services more accessible to the citizens. Digital skills also empower residents to participate in the decision-making process through online platforms and social media. For example, citizens can report issues, provide feedback, and engage in discussions about community development, fostering a sense of ownership. So, my initiative provides the necessary tools and skills to support this.

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

6

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

My initiative significantly contribute to SDG12 by enhancing the ability of individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt and promote sustainable practices. For example, with Excel skills, a business person can monitor and manage resources more effectively. Our social media management program helps individuals to have access to online information and apps that provide details on the environmental impact of products. This helps to promote responsible consumption habits of these products. Finally, our programming courses can enable these rural individuals to use computer-aided design (CAD) software and other digital tools to create products that are more sustainable. This might include designing for durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact.

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

My initiative plays a vital role in advancing SDG 13. It equips individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change. With the digital tools as well as skills, individuals are able to carry out climate monitoring and data collection where they can understand climate trends and come up with effective strategies for the same. By mastering data management skills, individuals are able to support the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, which use data and technology to optimize crop yields and reduce resource use. Such practice help farmers to adapt to climate change and minimize environmental impact of agriculture. Also, the tools we provide to individuals allows them to access different information on climate action. This information can help them raise awareness about climate change or any other related topics in their respective communities.

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

5

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our programs such as data entry and analysis enables individuals to use advanced technologies such as remote sensing, underwater drones that can help to detect illegal fishing for example. This data can help in decision making thereby effecting conservation efforts. Also, the information they can access from different digital platforms can help them engage and adopt sustainable fishing techniques in their respective communities. Finally, digital skills will help individuals in these rural communities to share knowwedge and coordinate with other stakeholders in order to protect marine ecosystems.

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

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Since we provide access to digital tools and the Internet, i believe that these people have access to digital platforms that can equip them with best practices in agriculture, forestry, and land use. For example, if an individual is a farmer, he/she can access information on sustainable techniques, weather forecast, and market trends, which can lead to more sustainable and efficient land use practices. Also, my initiative can help to raise awareness and education by creating and disseminating educational content on the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Online campaigns, virtual workshops, and social media can raise public awareness and promote behaviours that support the protection of terrestrial ecosystem.

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

6

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

With our digital skills training, these rural people can also have access to public records, and participate in open data initiatives which promotes transparency, reduces corruption as well as holding institutions accountable. Also, the digital trainings we offer helps these rural people to navigate online legal resources and access legal aid services, ensuring justice is more readily available to all, especially these marginalized communities. Our digital skills trainings also strengthen institutional capacity. by enhancing their operational efficiency, data management, and service delivery. This in turn leads to more effective governance, better public services, and stronger institutions that can uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.

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

6

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

My startup contribute to partnerships for the goal in that enhance communication and collaboration. In our course of implementing our programs, we do reach out to other stakeholders whom we collaborate in facilitating the trainings. Also, with the skills we offer, one is able to get connected to the outside world where they can engage in mutual learning, collaboration, and collective action towards the SDGs.

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

2

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

2

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

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

06.08 Justification

Our services can be described from two angles; as a completely new innovation considering the people we are serving as well as an extension of the services that already exist. It is an extension to the already existing services because the trainings we offer, one can get them from elsewhere. Our services include; computer operations, computer programming, graphics design, data entry and analysis, and many more. So, you'll see that these courses are now everywhere more especially in urban areas. However, our uniqueness is in the way we have developed our curriculum; our courses directly answers the industrial needs of these rural people. We have designed our program in such a way that we try to unearth the skills of these rural people and add value to them so that they can be of use in this digital era. On the other hand, its a new innovation considering that we are reaching out to people who are still in dark about digital technology, so everything is new to them.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Paradox institute of technology is one of our competitors here in Chitipa. It is an institution which is well equipped with building infrastructures. However, Paradox lacks consistency. It offers its programs rarely with no impact. Since my coming in Chitipa in 2021, i haven't seen someone graduating from Paradox. One such reason is lack of expertise who can fully train people in computer related programs. So, its like they're on trial period. So, this is where my startup, GSG Digital and Innovation Center stands out on the market. I have a well qualified team with different expertise; programmers, designers. monitoring and evaluation expert as well as content creator. This makes my center gain favour and trust from the communities we are serving. Partnering with Dzuka Africa Organization, District Youth Office and good collaboration with community leaders makes us favourites. Customer centric, respect, and dedication have also helped us gain favour from our clients.

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

Yes. My initiative take into consideration the issue of gender balance. I advocate to ensure that boths boys and girls, male and females access these digital skills training. With entrepreneurship training program, we thrive to encourage both boys and girls to venture into business.