République démocratique du Congo - Startup de moins de 3 ans

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Owanga provides affordable, sustainable energy in Congo with Chisun, a 500W portable battery pack made from recycled materials. Customers rent it for $2/day, enabling small businesses and students to access reliable electricity, reduce carbon emissions,

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Our company offers an on-demand electricity service. We rent out portable battery packs called the Chisun to business owners for $2 per 24-hour usage, or they can buy it for $250. We use second-life batteries from electronic waste and plastic bottles to produce our devices. They have a capacity of 1000W and can power common household appliances such as fans, TVs, laptops, and fridges. Everything is designed and created in Congo, reducing the waste problem and providing jobs to people in the country.

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

The problem we are solving is the lack of electricity in Congo, a country with over 80 million people. Over 81% of the population does not have access to power or uses inefficient methods to maintain electricity. These methods are dangerous, dirty, and often unreliable. Kerosene, one of the most common methods, leads to up to 600,000 deaths on the continent. Generators are highly polluting and expensive to run, sometimes costing $10 a day, and families have to spend $300 for a small generator. Candles are another method people use, but they are just not effective.

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 cleaner alternative. Compared to current solutions on the market, our solution is powered by solar panels, which reduces carbon emissions and benefits the planet. We provide a cheaper alternative. Currently, most businesses have two options when they experience power cuts: they can either close their shops and lose income for the day, or they can power up their generators, which costs at least $10 per day and cuts into their profits. Our solution is portable and uses recycled materials. When we spoke to our customers, the majority expressed a preference for a portable solution. This allows them to take our battery packs (Chisun) to different locations that need power, rather than being confined to one place. Additionally, we use electronic waste to create our devices, which helps reduce the waste found in Congo.

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

Our device serves two types of customers. We have a rental model where we rent out the device for $2 a day to business owners who experience power outages. They come to our location to pick it up and return it the next day when their power is restored. This saves them money compared to spending $10 on generators or closing their shop. We also sell the device to consumers in Congo who want to transition from generators to a cleaner and cheaper alternative. Our customers include students, work-from-home employees, and others who need reliable power.

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

03/05/2023

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 ?

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.).

Chinelo: Background: Law student with extensive knowledge of the energy sector. Experience: Student at the Foundation for Natural Resources, focusing on clean tech transitions. Skills: Legal expertise, energy policy, and strategic planning. Michael: Background: Chemical engineering student at the University of Alberta. Experience: Specializes in analyzing second-life batteries for safety and efficiency. Skills: Battery technology, chemical analysis, and sustainable engineering. Simone: Background: Lead product designer with over 10 years of experience. Experience: Worked with Kenya's leading clean cooking stove company, Burn. Skills: Product design, user experience, and market tailoring. Micheal: Background: Electrical engineer with a focus on solar energy. Experience: Previously worked at BBOXX, a fast-growing African solar company. Skills: Solar technology, electrical systems, and product development. Wesley: Background: Technical advisor and innovation lab director in Houston.

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.owangasolar.com/, https://afrotech.com/owanga-clean-energy-startup-africa, https://www.linkedin.com/company/owanga-solar/?viewAsMember=true, https://youtu.be/joBaTms0gXA

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

Énergie (équipements, services, énergie durable et fossiles)

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Owanga is dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions in Congo with our Chisun battery packs. These 500W units are rented out for $2/day, offering a reliable alternative to unsafe and expensive traditional methods like kerosene and generators. By repurposing plastic bottles and using second-life batteries, we reduce e-waste and promote environmental sustainability. Our solution not only powers homes and businesses but also supports education by enabling students to study without power interruptions, directly contributing to SDG 7 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.

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

Owanga's Chisun project boosts local economies by providing affordable energy, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and profitably. We manufacture locally, creating jobs and fostering skill development. Our rental model lowers energy costs for businesses, increasing their productivity and profitability. Additionally, by utilizing solar panels for charging, we reduce operational costs and carbon footprints. The project's scalability ensures widespread economic benefits, promoting sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, aligning with SDG 8.

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

5

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Owanga drives innovation by developing the Chisun battery pack, a unique energy solution utilizing recycled materials and IoT technology. Our battery packs are connected to the cloud, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing performance and reducing theft. This infrastructure supports the energy needs of underserved communities, promoting industrialization and fostering innovation. While still in the early stages, our continuous improvements and local production capabilities showcase our commitment to building resilient infrastructure and inclusive industrialization, contributing to SDG 9.

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

2

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

3

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

6

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Owanga is committed to sustainable consumption and production through the innovative use of second-life batteries and repurposed plastic bottles for our Chisun battery packs. Each unit helps to reduce electronic waste and plastic pollution, promoting a circular economy. By providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources, we lower the environmental impact of energy consumption. Our rental model ensures the efficient use and recycling of resources, aligning with SDG 12 by encouraging sustainable consumption patterns and reducing waste.

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

Owanga’s Chisun battery packs significantly reduce carbon emissions by providing a clean energy alternative to kerosene and diesel generators. Each unit reduces approximately 0.21 tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. Our use of second-life batteries and recycled plastic for casing minimizes e-waste, promoting a circular economy. By utilizing solar energy for recharging, we further decrease our carbon footprint. While we are still expanding, our focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources aligns with SDG 13, taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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'

1 -pas du tout d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

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'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

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

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

Our Chisun battery pack is a unique and innovative solution to the energy challenges in Congo. Unlike traditional energy sources, Chisun offers a portable, affordable, and sustainable energy option. It utilizes second-life batteries and repurposed plastic bottles, significantly reducing e-waste and promoting a circular economy. The integration of IoT technology for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance enhances reliability and efficiency. Our local production approach strengthens supply chain control and supports regional economic development, setting us apart from competitors who rely on international sourcing.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our main competitor is a similar startup based in Nigeria, but they cannot match our robust supply chain control and local production advantages. Owanga stands out due to Chisun's portability, renewable energy use, 6-year lifespan, and innovative e-waste utilization. By sourcing and assembling entirely within Congo, we avoid international component sourcing issues, strengthen local industry, and ensure product reliability and sustainability. This local focus not only supports the regional economy but also allows us to respond swiftly to market needs and maintain quality control.

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