Ekha Solar Project

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Zimbabwe

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Ekha Solar Project’s mission is to reduce extreme energy poverty and bridge the energy gap by providing affordable and sustainable clean solar solutions to last-mile communities.

Ekha Solar Project distributes solar home systems through a network of rural community-based distribution agents (CBDs).

They offer flexible and affordable payment instalments through a simplified, user-friendly Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) system.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 3,500 people during the pilot.

• Distribute 700 lamps.

• Raise an additional $25,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Rufaro Marufu - Project and Business Development Lead

Angeline Motsi - Technical Sales and Marketing Lead

Bringing TaRL to Villages

Teaching at the Right Level CHALLENGE; Nigeria

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Education Program

Learn more about the Teaching at the Right Level Challenge and how an evidence-based foundational learning program can improve primary literacy and numeracy in low-resource schools.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Bringing TaRL to Villages’ mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives a foundational education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Through their efforts, they aim to make a measurable impact on learning outcomes, school retention rates, and community engagement in rural villages.

By equipping children with strong foundational skills and empowering communities to take ownership of their children's education, Bringing TaRL to Villages believes that they can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Achieve elevated reading and literacy levels in 300 pupils in Iresaadu Village.

• Deploy TaRL in two most rural schools in Iresaadu village of Surulere LGA, Oyo State.

• Telling their story in a manner that invites funding of an additional $50,000 for their scaling.

FOUNDING TEAM

Dr. Gideon Abioye Oyedeji - Co-Founder and Team Lead

Sopuruchi Godsfriend Christian - Co-Founder

Iyanuoluwa Ayanfe Adelusi - Co-Founder

Abisola Mustapha - Co-Founder

Safe Water Technologies

Clean Water Access CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Ceramic Water Filters

Learn more about the Clean Water Access Challenge and why ceramic pot water filters can be used by households to clean otherwise unsafe water from almost any source.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Safe Water Technologies will provide water filters to ensure that rural communities have access to clean and safe water.

Safe Water Technologies will distribute Ceramic Water Filters in Salima District, Malawi on a Pay as You Use Credit Model through 24 village agents that will be on commission.

Through this model, they will target Village Savings and Loans groups to be their customers to purchase the filters on credit.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 3000 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 600 water filters during the pilot.

• Raise an additional $10000 during the pilot.

FOUNDING TEAM

Thokozani Chepuka - Co-Founder

Steve Lameck - Co-Founder

Miti Mitaani

CUSTOM CHALLENGE; Kenya

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Reforesting trees and providing work for young people

Learn more about the Custom Challenge and why we only fund ideas that focus on distributing proven poverty interventions.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kiswahili for ‘trees in our neighborhoods’, Miti Mitaani pays urban youth to establish community forests which mitigate the impact of climate change.

Miti Mitaani pays urban youth to establish community forests. By engaging unemployed youth in African cities as tree stewards (they plant and maintain the trees monthly), there is huge potential to rapidly scale tree cover in African cities. Miti Mitaani currently operates in Nairobi, Kenya.

Trees are the most scalable and affordable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially in resource-constrained countries. Community forests can transform cities by making them cooler and greener, in addition to other benefits such as cleaner air, habitat for urban wildlife, improving the rain cycle, reducing flash floods etc.

A youth participant enrolled in Miti Mitaani’s program has the opportunity to earn up to $375 annually. Their pilots to date show that stewardship payments are invested in businesses (ex. light motorcycle transportation) and meeting basic needs such as food and healthcare. 100% of the participants in their initial pilot reported they would join Miti Mitaani again.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 30 at-risk youth from a low-income neighbourhood of Nairobi will be engaged as tree stewards.

• Each of these 30 hired youth will be responsible for planting and maintaining 500 trees, bringing the total number of trees planted to 15,000.

• Raise an additional $10 - 15,000 USD from new donors within the pilot period.

FOUNDING TEAM

Ronny Mutua - Founder, Strategy & Partnerships Lead

Maria Omulubi - Co-Founder, Program & Operations Lead

Sunny Energy Malawi (SEMW)

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Sunny Energy Malawi's mission is to enhance the quality of lives in low-income rural communities in Dowa, Malawi, by promoting education, empowerment, and economic development through the distribution of clean, affordable, and sustainable solar lamps.

Sunny Energy Malawi uses solar kiosks and sales agents to distribute sustainable solar energy solutions in Dowa, Central Region, Malawi. The company uses the PAYGO model for credit collection and mobile money services for rural customers to access the PAYGO Model.

The company relies on warranties for product quality and longevity and employs local people as sales agents and kiosk operators to build community trust and verify customer information.

The company is committed to ensuring that every household in Malawi has access to clean, sustainable, and affordable renewable energy lighting solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 5,810 beneficiaries within three months.

• Using five solar kiosk operators and 15 high-preforming sales agents, distribute 1162 solar lamps within the first three months.

• Fundraise additional $20, 000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Chikondi Chizu - Co-Founder & Managing Director

Glory Bwetu - Co-Founder & Administration and Marketing Manager

Austin Kalimanjira Junior - Co-Founder & Sales and Distribution Manager

Waves of Resilience

PMTCT CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Retention in care and adherence to anti-retroviral treatment for people living with HIV

Learn more about the PMTCT Challenge and how increasing completion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV can decrease HIV rates and improve lives.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Waves of Resilience hopes to build strong community-led PMTCT service delivery systems.

Waves of Resilience will pilot the community group antenatal care model (CG-ANC) to mitigate the challenges created by the geographical barrier in the Buvuma Islands.

Using this model, pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW) will be supported to form motherhood clubs within their communities to enhance ANC attendance, psychosocial support, and increase access to integrated HIV, maternal and child health services.

To build and strengthen community support systems, distribution channels and linkages, they will use an integrated approach, leveraging and blending the influence of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) with the efforts of Community Peer Supporters (CPS) and Health facility linkage facilitators (FLF). Community-led models are sustainable and cost-effective.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 450 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 1 proven intervention during the pilot.

• Raise $8000 in additional funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Nabanoba Alice Vivian - Team Leader

Namatovu Josephine - Resource Mobilization Officer

Nansubuga Hope - Technical Field Officer

Farmtorch

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Farmtorch improves access to timely, affordable and quality inputs for smallholder farmers on credit to improve productivity while facilitating market access.

Farmtorch’s model consists of lending smallholder farmers a comprehensive package of essential farming inputs such as seed and fertilizer, and delivering the package to rural access points in time while providing effective farmer training and market linkages through a robust network of Farmer Village Based Advisors or Agents (VBAs).

This is more than a mere transaction; it is a commitment to boosting productivity and cultivating sustainable growth. Thus Farmtorch is not just about farming only; it's about fostering a community-driven ecosystem where knowledge, resources, and support converge to empower the world's smallest farmers on the journey of growth, resilience, transformation and a sustainable future.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Successfully reach and serve 100 smallholder farmers grouped into Farmer Based Organisation.

• Delivering 100 high-quality bundled interventions through a network of 10 trained and equipped Farmer Village Based Agents.

• Raise 20,000 additional funding from new partners with a major focus on Large-scale off-takers and quality input manufacturers.

FOUNDING TEAM

Charles Emongo - CEO

Mukama Faluku - COO

Hydrointel Africa Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Kenya

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Hydrointel Africa Energy believes energy access equals financial freedom, better health care, and improved living.

HIAE offers dependable and accredited solar energy solutions to homes in the Western Region of Kenya with limited electricity access. Warranty policies and verification processes support the solutions to guarantee high quality and durability. The products are specifically developed to address energy poverty and enhance individuals' daily lives.

Their goal is to overcome the logistical and financial obstacles that impede the widespread use of renewable energy technology. HydroIntel Africa Energy’s distribution model employs a two-dimensional approach: Provision of Solar Lamps on a pay-to-own model and cash basis.

HydroIntel Africa Energy's goal is to present and offer a sustainable model that has evidence-based impact and a trickle-down effect, similar to the social business approach, which is built on the need to create an activity that generates income and helps the community members make their financial capacity by creating a revolving fund from the proceeds.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute 500 units within the first 3 months of the pilot phase impacting approximately 2500 people.

• Recruit 20 sales agents 5 months into the project to construct a solar kiosk.

• In 12 months, scale up the operation to reach 3,000 people by sourcing additional funding of USD 10,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

John Wafula Khaemba - Founder

Afya Njema

PMTCT CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Retention in care and adherence to anti-retroviral treatment for people living with HIV

Learn more about the PMTCT Challenge and how increasing completion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV can decrease HIV rates and improve lives.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Afya Njema aims to increase access to quality and timely PMTCT services in rural and resource-limited communities.

Afya Njema uses the expert clients model as a low-cost task-shifting approach to bridging the care gaps created by low health facility staffing levels and high patient load in Kabarole district, Uganda.

The pilot will use a combination of community-based and health facility-based expert clients who will serve as a bridge between the community and clinic. The aim will be to test the effectiveness of expert clients in using client-centred differentiated service delivery models to increase HIV testing, linkage and enrollment in care, ART adherence, follow-up and retention in care.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 1200 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 2 interventions during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Gulemye Isaac - Public Health Specialist

Tebusweke Brian - Maternal Health Specialist

Mulungi Faith - Clinical Psychologist

Green Business Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

GBS was founded to provide affordable and sustainable long-term clean energy support in rural low-income communities, with labour embedded in the community, using a simple scalable approach.

Green Business Solutions (GBS) has developed a simple and scalable distribution method for getting low-cost pico-solar lamps to low-income rural communities such that they can have a life with lighting: increasing security at night, allowing night-time study for children, providing opportunities for nighttime commercial activities such as sewing and cooking, and increasing quality of life.

Their model involves recruiting local ‘Energy Committee’ teams i.e. Village Savings and Loans Associations who recruit customers to get bulk orders. The Energy Committee is supported by an experienced and locally based Sales Agent who provides training and support. The model improves gender equality; offers local employment and low costs; provides excellent after-sales support; and creates a two-way communication hub for the community.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 2250 customers during the pilot.

• Distribute 500 products during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Bright Bamusi Banda - Managing Director

Precious Mkandawire - Finance Manager

Sunsave Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Cameroon

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Sunsave Solutions increases access to entry-level solar electricity in low-income female-led and majority-female rural households.

Sunsave Solutions’ model uses rural women-only and women-majority cooperatives and farm groups as local partners and distributors for last-mile distribution.

This strategy not only facilitates access to clean energy but also champions social change by dismantling entrenched social barriers. By focusing on female-led and majority-female households, they ensure that the benefits of their solar solutions directly uplift those most in need.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 666 unique customers within three months of pilot.

• Distribute 666 products in three months of pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $25,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Felix Mekila Ngwambe - Founder

Brittany Newfer - Founder

Favour Onyenma - Founder

OxyCare Uganda

OXYGEN CHALLENGE; UGANDA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Service and repair of oxygen concentrators

Learn more about the Oxygen Challenge and how proper maintenance of oxygen concentrators expands access to medical oxygen to save lives.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

OxyCare Uganda aims to sustainably care for oxygen concentrators to save the lives of people in communities that would have lost their lives due to a lack of oxygen and functional oxygen concentrators.

OxyCare Uganda’s operating model is rooted in the community. They will recruit and empower local biomedical and electrical technicians, providing them with facility-based oxygen concentrator simulation training. This approach will ensure timely assessment, maintenance, and repair of oxygen concentrators in Northern Uganda, fostering a sense of ownership and trust within the community.

Together with trained and skilled technicians, OxyCare Uganda will train oxygen concentrator users at health facilities to use simple maintenance techniques to reduce errors and downtime. OxyCare Uganda will go beyond maintenance and repair by offering rental and leasing services for backup oxygen concentrators and cylinders during emergencies.

OxyCare will maintain a reliable 24/7 helpline distributed to partnered and all other regional hospitals for seamless communication and immediate response. This ensures that service requests, including emergencies, are never delayed. They will also develop a dynamic website with a 24/7 helpline, standard operating procedures (SOPs), a quick maintenance guide, and an online form for requesting maintenance and repair support, providing a secure and trusted platform. A standby motorcycle will support the repair and maintenance team in responding to emergencies, performing routine assessments, and performing repairs and maintenance.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 70 children and other individuals in need of oxygen within three months.

• Repair and maintain 23 Oxygen Concentrators in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from new donors and investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Solomon Piwun - Biomedical Engineer

Peter Kalulu - Public Health Specialist

Pius Okwairwoth - Electrician

Tony Abeka - Finance and Administration

Aloha Foundation Uganda

TEACHING AT THE RIGHT LEVEL CHALLENGE; UGANDA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Teaching at the Right Level Foundational Learning Program

Learn more about the Teaching at the Right Level Challenge and how an evidence-based foundational learning program can improve primary literacy and numeracy in low-resource schools.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Aloha Foundation Uganda's mission is to foster primary school education and drive socio-economic inclusivity in Uganda.

Aloha Foundation Uganda’s distribution model, set in Chegere Sub County, Apac district in Northern Uganda, implements a teacher-led TaRL methodology within the government education system for grades 3-5 students facing academic challenges.

The unique approach integrates TaRL sessions before and after regular school hours. Individual student assessments guide the formation of learning groups where students receive tailored support to help them catch up. What sets Aloha Foundation Uganda apart is its commitment to continuous capacity development, reinforced through refresher courses.

Aloha Foundation Uganda was founded in 2023 by Diana Ejang and Racheal Gloria Apok. The dual's passion for transformative education creates a powerful synergy for success.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 350 grade 3 - 5 students.

• 690 hours of engagement.

• Fundraise an additional 20,000 USD.

FOUNDING TEAM

Diana Ejang - Co-Founder

Racheal Gloria Apok - Co-Founder

Dzuwa Gleam

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Dzuwa Gleam is on a mission to empower and enhance the lives of Malawians living in underserved, off-grid rural communities grappling with energy poverty through the provision of clean, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.

Dzuwa Gleam's distribution model centers on deploying highly motivated local sales agents to deliver sustainable energy solutions, starting with the pilot in Kasungu district, Malawi. Their agents leverage community connections and local knowledge to directly engage with residents, ensuring the effective distribution of Pico solar lamps.

What sets Dzuwa Gleam apart is its commitment to empowering communities by establishing a robust network of agents, fostering genuine connections, and tailoring its approach to the specific needs of each locality. This localized, community-driven strategy distinguishes Dzuwa Gleam as a catalyst for transformative change in the energy landscape.

Dzuwa Gleam was founded in 2023 by Geoffrey Mtika, a visionary Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the driving force behind Dzuwa Gleam's commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to communities in Malawi. While Geoffrey leads the initiative, the team is further strengthened by dedicated individuals, including Steve Chipanje, Sales and Marketing Executive, and Stern Nyasulu, Finance Manager.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1,500 unique customers within three months.

• Using 15 high-performing sales agents to distribute 300 Pico Solar Lamps during the three-month pilot.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $20,000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Geoffrey Mtika - CEO

Steve Chipanje - Sales and Marketing Executive

Stern Nyasulu - Finance Manager

Kilimo-Premier Financial Services Limited

CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; Tanzania

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Improved seeds, and fertilizer, training on agronomic practices, finance for farm inputs, and market facilitation

Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kilimo-Premier Financial Services Limited aims to be among the leading financial services providers within the country that improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through the provision of agro-credit services.

Their model is called the Modified Grameen Model, where solidarity groups guarantee loans and repayment settled on increments at any time within six months. Smallholder farmers join solidarity groups of 5 members called Enterprise Group (EG) and 10 EG form large groups of 50 members called Market Enterprise Committee (MEC). Members in groups will guarantee each other by using their farm fields, so group credit monitoring is the member’s responsibility.

The model reduces the difficulties in loan administration and developing guarantees, the loan services are provided in bundle bases including distribution of improved seeds, and fertilizer, training on agronomic practices, finance for farm inputs, and market facilitation to maximize profits. The MEC members make the final decision on approving loans because they are loan guarantors. The loan repayment will be done on a weekly basis during MEC meetings.

Kilimo Premier Financial Services Limited was founded in 2023 by Kataga Daniel Ngulinzira and Grace Manyama Shadrack. The team members have experience in different professions, Kataga has been an expert in agribusiness sectors for more than 10 years, and Grace is in financial management and baking. Grace serves as the company's full-time Financial and Administrative Director, and Mr. Kataga serves as Managing Director. The company expects to recruit one full-time Loan and Training Officer after its commencing for field work.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 150 smallholder farmers directly reached within three months.

• 3Market Enterprises Committees (MEC) and 30 Enterprises Groups (EG) mobilized and facilitated by agronomic practices and agro-loans.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $ 10,000 from donors/investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Kataga Daniel Ngulinzira - Managing Director

Grace Manyama Shadrack - Financial and Administrative Director

Juto

POVERTY GRADUATION CHALLENGE; Liberia

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Poverty Graduation Program

Learn more about the Poverty Graduation Challenge and why an evidence-based program that combines cash or asset transfers with mentorship and other forms of financial and social support helps graduate the ultra poor from poverty.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

JUTO seeks to equip women and youth living in extreme poverty by providing them with the tools, skills, and resources needed to build lasting livelihoods and escape the cycle of poverty.

JUTO will equip participants through business skills training, capital transfer, hands-on mentoring/ coaching, savings/ access to credit, and other life skills training to create income-generating, sustainable businesses and access to loans, credits, and savings, thereby breaking the visual cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.

The program is based on the BOMA – Rural Entrepreneur Access Project (REAP) model which is one of the most successful, sustainable, and cost-effective poverty graduation approaches in the world. The program will entail 16 to 24 months of sequenced interventions with a clear exit strategy and rigorous criteria for success.

The founding of JUTO was led by Genesis Sylvester Kolliemene who has over seven years of experience in civic leadership with a focus on youth advancement, social entrepreneurship, community development, and organizational capacity strengthening. Genesis and his co-founders (Otis S. Timothy, Patience D. Tokpah, and Caleb Larry Boimah) are passionate about leading efforts to address extreme poverty and hunger.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 50 beneficiaries in 3 months.

• Establish 50 new businesses.

• Fundraise $10,000 from local donors and government collaboration.

FOUNDING TEAM

Genesis Sylvester Kolliemene - Founder/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Otis S. Timothy - Director of Program Development and Scaling

Patience D. Tokpah - Finance Manager

Caleb Larry Boimah Jr. - Research and Training Lead

Solar Cube Energy Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; UGANDA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Solar Cube is a social enterprise with the mission to change the lives of many people in rural off-grid areas in Uganda and beyond by using clean and affordable solar products & services.

Solar Cube will distribute quality solar lamps verified by Greenlight Planet through a network of last-mile shop owners selling out affordable solar lamps to last-mile customers in rural and off-grid areas in the West Nile region in Uganda.

The company will apply a flexible payment system accepting cash or instalments using mobile money to suit the financing needs of the last-mile customers. In addition, Solar Cube has developed a solar kiosk that will be leased out to shop owners or businesses using the energy-as-a-service model.

The last mile shop owners will become Solar Cube’s distribution agents to sell solar lamps while powering their businesses for cold drinks, mobile phone charging, and powering TVs using solar power from the solar kiosks.

Solar Cube was founded in 2022 by two energy experts with extensive experience of over 7 years each in the energy sector of Uganda. Solar Cube is led by Mr. Muceka Rolex, the managing director and co-founder, and assisted by Mr. Alokore Yunus, the business development manager and co-founder.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach more than 1,500 beneficiaries in 3 months.

• Using 9 last mile high-performing distribution agents, distribute 300 solar solar lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $20,000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Mr. Muceka Rolex - Managing Director and Co-Founder

Mr. Alokore Yunus - Business Development Manager and Co-Founder

Akanyo Santa - Market Development Manager and Co-Founder

Kukhanya

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Mozambique

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kukhanya aims to provide small household solar solutions for hard-to-reach communities across Mozambique.

In the coming six to twelve months, the Kukhanya team will be undergoing a restructuring process that includes hiring new members, and organizing training sessions and meetings with their agrodealers and VBAs. They are targeting three provinces initially (Nampula, Manica, and Zambezia).

Kukhanya plans to establish partnerships with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to secure financing and expand our reach to more rural communities.

Kukhanya was founded in 2022 by Jorge Mondlane, Lao Un Wai, Ernesto Matabeia and Ritchoni Felix. Jorge serves as the Project and Operational Manager, Laoi serves as the Marketing and Logistics Manager, Ernesto serves as the Sales and Customer Manager, and Ritchoni serves as the Sales and Customer Manager.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach up to at least 1500 people within the first three months.

• Distribute 1500 lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $100,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Jorge Mondlane - Managing Director

Lao Un Wai - Financial Director

Sesa Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Tanzania

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Sesa Energy's mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable solar power solutions to illuminate and power underserved communities in Tanzania while empowering local women and youth, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering economic prosperity.

Sesa Energy's distribution model is uniquely designed to bridge the energy access gap in Tanzania by extending from urban areas to the most remote rural regions. What sets them apart is their strong emphasis on empowering local women and youth who become integral parts of their distribution network as sales agents and franchisees.

This not only creates economic opportunities within communities but also ensures that Sesa Energy reaches the farthest corners of Tanzania, making clean energy solutions accessible and affordable to even the poorest rural populations.

The pilot project is based in Ngorongoro, Monduli, and Longido, areas that typically face significant energy poverty, and Sesa Energy’s commitment to local empowerment through its distribution network sets it apart as a socially impactful energy provider.

Sesa Energy was started in 2022 by Joshua Joseph Msechu, Eva Joseph Msechu, and Sabrina Daudi Kinga. Joshua serves as the Project Leader and a Co-Founder, and Eva and Sabrina are Co-Founders.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach up to at least 2500 people within the first three months.

• Using 10 distribution agents, they will distribute 500 lamps in three months.

• Fundraise an additional $10000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Joshua Joseph Msechu - Project Leader and Co-Founder

Eva Joseph Msechu - Co-Founder

Sabrina Daudi Kinga - Co-Founder

Farmerstack Technologies Limited

QUALITY INPUTS CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality agricultural inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Farmerstack helps smallholder farmers achieve a more profitable harvest, 2 - 3X better than their average counterparts.

Farmstack’s model pairs asset-based loans with flexible repayment to meet the financing needs of smallholder farmers, who earn the majority of their income after harvest. Instead of providing cash loans, farmers borrow a stack or bundle of top-quality agricultural inputs valued between $100 to $200 per acre and repay the loan within four months after the harvest.

Farmerstack offers a flexible loan repayment system. Clients have only two deadlines: a 10% down payment to receive the loan bundle and a final repayment after the harvest. After the down payment, farmers can make smaller, manageable repayments on their own schedule throughout the season. This flexibility helps them stay on top of their loans and reduces post-harvest pressure.

Farmerstack organizes small-scale farmers and transform them into successful commercial farmers. Currently, Farmerstack is piloting its program in West Budama Central, Tororo district, Eastern Uganda.

Farmerstack was started in 2023 by Phillip SAJJA and Peter ONDUR. Phillip serves as Farmerstack's full-time CEO and Peter is Farmerstack’s full-time CTO. As young boys, they recognized the value of farming, albeit at a subsistence level. Now, as adult farmers, they are determined to make farming more productive and valuable for millions of small-scale farmers through Farmerstack.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 200 smallholder farmers, offer affordable credit rates, lend to them, and ensure a repayment rate of 97% or higher within three months.

• Distribute 200 bundles of high-quality inputs to smallholder farmers, using 5 high-performing distribution officers.

• Fundraise an additional $30,000 USD within three months from new donors, investors or commercial credit

FOUNDING TEAM

Phillip Sajja - CEO

Peter Ondur - CTO