ZELO Platform

What makes your solution innovative?

1. Affordability-First Approach: Democratizing Sustainability

The traditional ownership model for electric vehicles, especially in the context of last-mile logistics, creates a massive financial hurdle for African businesses. Despite their aspirations, high upfront costs make the eco-friendly transition unattainable for many small to medium-sized enterprises. Greenfoot Africa flips this paradigm with its rental model. We democratize access to clean transport technology by eliminating that initial investment barrier. This affordability unlocks a new market segment: riders, independent operators, and businesses eager to reduce their carbon footprint who previously couldn't justify the expense.

2. Integrated Tech: More Than Just Electric Bikes

While our locally manufactured electric cargo bikes form the backbone, Zelo Platform's innovation lies in building an entire ecosystem around them. Our platform approach provides a suite of essential tools:

• Fleet Management Software: This tool is the "control center" for logistics providers. Streamlining route optimization, delivery tracking, bike maintenance alerts, and rider communications increases efficiency massively. Operators that may have relied on manual systems get a technological boost, significantly improving their service delivery capacity and quality.
• Rider Job Matching Platform: This element addresses the other side of the equation. We create a self-sustaining network by connecting riders/operators with businesses needing transport. Riders are assured of finding work, businesses get reliable logistics, and our platform acts as the vital bridge bringing them together.

This integrated technology stack distinguishes us from simply renting out electric bikes. It's about providing a complete, user-friendly solution that addresses the pain points of traditional logistics within the African context.

3. Data-Driven Potential: Beyond just transporting goods

ZELO Platform, by its very nature, will eventually become a data collection tool. Information on delivery routes, traffic patterns, peak usage times, types of goods transported, and distances traveled within urban areas can hold immense value:

• Insights for Businesses: Analyze this data to help businesses identify bottlenecks in their delivery chains, suggest alternative routes, or optimize delivery schedules to maximize the use of their electric fleet.
• Smart City Planning: Partner with city authorities and planners to share anonymized data. This can aid in infrastructure development, pinpointing areas needing infrastructure improvements, or informing the placement of future EV charging/battery-swap hubs.
• Long-Term Vision: Could the network of electric cargo bikes also become a carrier for environmental data monitoring? Air quality sensors fitted to the bikes could provide real-time data, mapping pollution hotspots across the city at street level.

This underscores the future-looking nature of our innovation. The immediate impact is on clean transport, but the long-term potential extends to making African cities more data-driven and livable.

Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.

Greenfoot Africa: Transforming Africa’s Urban Logistics

The Challenge: African cities are bustling with economic activity, but traditional logistics are expensive, polluting, and inefficient. The prohibitive cost of electric vehicles acts as a barrier to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Greenfoot Africa's Solution: ZELO Platform - a three-pronged approach: affordable electric cargo bike rentals, intelligent fleet management software, and a rider job-matching platform. Together, these elements aim to create a thriving, low-carbon logistics ecosystem.

Theory of Change:

Inputs

• Investment funding
• Our existing team expertise (logistics, tech, African markets)
• Early-stage prototypes (e-cargo bike, software)
• Partnerships (rider groups, pilot businesses, potential local manufacturers)

Activities

• Scale-up bike manufacturing/assembly ensuring affordability and local sourcing
• Refine and expand ZELO software features (job matching, predictive maintenance, etc.)
• Proactive rider onboarding and training
• Business acquisition, focusing on SMEs
• Engage with city governments and researchers for data insights

Outputs

• Increased number of ZELO bikes operating in the city
• Businesses actively enrolled and using the delivery platform
• Active rider pool, with a focus on inclusivity
• Platform generating data on emissions, routes, business metrics

Outcomes

• Businesses:
  • Reduced operating costs (fuel savings, increased efficiency)
  • Expanded customer reach and improved customer satisfaction
• Riders:
  • Increased income and stable jobs in the green economy
  • Skill development and potential career progression
• City-Wide:
  • Measurable decrease in transport-related emissions
  • Reduced traffic congestion (over the long term)
  • Data insights to inform better infrastructure and policy

Impact: Our Vision

• Thriving Local Economies: Businesses of all sizes empowered by green, cost-effective logistics
• Cleaner, Healthier Cities: Reduced air and noise pollution, improved public health
• A Model for Africa: ZELO's success catalyzes a shift towards sustainable, equitable urban development across the continent.

Evidence & Assumptions

• Pilot Data: Metrics from our proof-of-concept (fuel savings, rider income)
• Market Research: Understanding the true cost barriers and the potential size of the SME market for our solution
• Global Trends: Growing focus on sustainable logistics and government incentives for EVs
• Assumptions:
  • Businesses are receptive to new technology and prioritize sustainability where feasible
  • Sufficient rider interest in the formal green economy

Continuous Improvement

• Robust Data Collection: Tracking emissions reductions, cost savings, and rider well-being metrics
• Partnerships for Deeper Insights: Collaborate with universities or research institutes to analyze the long-term impact on emissions and city planning
• Iterative Approach: Adapt the platform and our expansion model based on feedback and real-world results

What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?

Greenfoot Africa's mission directly aligns with several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth - Empowering individuals through income generation and supporting small business development.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities - Reducing transport emissions, improving air quality, and reimagining urban mobility.

• SDG 13: Climate Action - Providing a tangible, scalable solution to climate change mitigation within the African context.

Here's how we've defined our key impact goals and the metrics we'll use to track our progress:

Goal 1: Democratizing Sustainable Transport

• Target: Reduce carbon dioxide emissions from urban deliveries by 25% within five years in our initial launch city.

• Metrics

  • Total kilometers traveled by ZELO electric cargo bikes.

  • Estimated greenhouse gas emissions mitigated by comparing ZELO bike usage to replaced traditional vehicles.

  • Conduct baseline and periodic emissions monitoring in collaboration with city authorities.

Goal 2:  Unlocking Economic Opportunity and Uplifting Communities

• Target: Create 1000 new, stable jobs in the green logistics sector within five years.

• Metrics:

  • Number of active riders registered on the ZELO platform.

  • Average deliveries completed by a ZELO rider per week, demonstrating consistent work availability.

  • Track rider income growth, comparing pre and post-enrollment on the platform, highlighting improved livelihoods.

Goal 3: Enabling Businesses of All Sizes to Thrive

• Target: Increase delivery capacity for 200 small and medium-sized businesses by 40% while reducing their logistics costs by 30% within three years.

• Metrics:

  • Number of businesses actively adopting the ZELO platform.

  • Track pre/post statistics on deliveries completed per week by enrolled businesses.

  • Measure pre and post fuel/transport costs for enrolled businesses.

  • Customer satisfaction surveys to gauge the broader impact on business operations and customer service.

Data-Driven, Impact-Focused

We commit to:

• Transparency: Regularly publishing 'Impact Reports' on our website and sharing them with stakeholders.

• Partnerships: Collaborating with research institutions to deepen our understanding of urban logistics challenges and track long-term emissions trends within our target cities.

• Continual Improvement: Using the collected data to refine our technology, rider support programs, and expansion strategies to maximize our positive impact.

The Vision

Greenfoot Africa's vision extends beyond individual metrics. We seek to catalyze a fundamental shift towards inclusive, sustainable economies in Africa, where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Key Considerations:

• I've chosen a five-year timeframe for the larger goals to show ambition while being realistic about growth.

• The SDGs offer a vast array of indicators. I've focused on the most relevant to Greenfoot Africa's core mission.

Describe the core technology that powers your solution.

The Tech Backbone of Greenfoot Africa's ZELO Platform

1. Purpose-built Electric Cargo Bikes: Designed for Africa, Inspired by Tradition

• Beyond Standard E-Bikes: While the concept of an electric cargo bike isn't novel, our bikes are the result of deep engagement with the African context. They draw upon the tradition of human-powered transport solutions, optimized for the 21st century.

• Power & Range: Swappable batteries, robust motors, and a 80+ km target range calculated based on real-world delivery patterns within African cities. This maximizes daily utilization and eliminates downtime.

• Payload & Maneuverability: We prioritize a load capacity of up to 300kgs for diverse deliveries, combined with a nimble frame for navigating markets and narrow residential streets.

• Resilient Engineering: ZELO bikes use components chosen for rough roads, climates ranging from arid to tropical, and low-maintenance needs (minimizing tech skill barriers for riders).
  
  

2. Fleet Management Software: Intelligent Logistics, African Context

• Hyper-Local Route Optimization: Algorithms aren't just about distance. They factor in real-time traffic (where data exists), local road conditions gleaned from rider feedback, and even weather to maximize efficiency and rider safety .

• Seamless Operations: Live delivery tracking for businesses, rider-app with clear directions, and an admin dashboard for efficient fleet monitoring. Designed for user-friendliness across technical literacy levels.

• Predictive Maintenance: Monitoring bike usage to preemptively suggest servicing, preventing breakdowns and maximizing the time bikes generate revenue.

• Data for Good: Anonymized data collected on delivery patterns can be a powerful tool for city planners, optimizing cycling infrastructure and informing EV adoption policies.
  
  

3. Rider Job Matching Platform: Connecting the Human Network

• Inclusive Focus: Built with diverse rider communities in mind. The app is designed to functions in local languages, with minimal text-reliance to overcome literacy barriers.

• Fair and Flexible: Job allocation balances equitable income opportunities with options for riders to choose full-time or part-time work schedules.

• Going Beyond Matching: The platform allows riders to build profiles showcasing their experience and reliability. This fosters a sense of community and facilitates future growth within the green logistics space.

Continuous Innovation with a Human-Centric Approach

Our in-house development team prioritizes:

• Feedback Loops: Riders and businesses are partners in shaping the platform. We'll incorporate regular usability surveys and qualitative input.

• Modular Design: This allows integration of future tech enhancements (improved batteries, IoT sensors) without disrupting the core user experience.

• Ethical Data Use: Transparency on how rider and logistics data is collected, stored, and used in ways that benefit the entire ZELO ecosystem.

The Greenfoot Advantage

We don't deploy technology for its own sake. Our innovation lies in seamlessly blending tech with a deep understanding of African markets, the informal logistics sector, and the human element that powers any successful solution.

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
• Big Data
• GIS and Geospatial Technology
• Internet of Things
• Manufacturing Technology
• Robotics and Drones
• Software and Mobile Applications

If your solution has a website or an app, provide the links here:

https://greenfoot.africa/zelo/

In which countries do you currently operate?

• Tanzania

Which, if any, additional countries will you be operating in within the next year?

• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Uganda

How many people work on your solution team?

• Full-time staff: 2
• Part-time staff (Administration): 1
• Part-time staff (Local Manufacturing): 2
• Contractors (Local Manufacturing): 4
• Contractors (Riders): 5 

How long have you been working on your solution?

We have been working on our solution for the past two and a half (2.5) years, beginning June 2021.

Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.

Our Approach: Acknowledging Where We Are and Striving for More

• Current Team: A Foundation to Build Upon Our current team reflects on the inclusive nature and adaptability of our company. Its core team is made up of a Wildlife Management graduate turned Industrial designer and a Human Resource Management graduate turned mechanical engineer, and this was only possible through an environment that recognizes potential from all areas of life.
• Beyond Numbers: True diversity for us isn't just about numbers. It's about fostering an environment where different perspectives actively shape decision-making and innovation.
• Local Context Matters: DEI practices developed in the Global North can't be simply copy-pasted to the African context. Our efforts will be informed by understanding how local factors such as ethnicity, language, and access to education intersect with creating an inclusive workplace.

Actionable Commitments

1. Expanding Our Leadership Pipeline:

• Mentorship & Training: We will create programs that help develop high-potential team members from underrepresented backgrounds, preparing them to take on leadership positions within Greenfoot Africa.
• Proactive Recruitment: Partner with universities, workforce development programs, and women-in-tech initiatives specifically aimed at reaching beyond our usual networks when hiring for senior roles.

1. An Inclusive Workplace for All

• Anti-Bias Training: We will engage an external expert to help us identify and address unconscious biases in our hiring, promotion, and day-to-day interactions. This training will be ongoing, not a one-off event.
• Focus on Riders: The rider community is the heart of ZELO. Our platform must be designed with their input. We will conduct regular surveys, focus groups, and ensure riders have a voice in how ZELO evolves.
• Zero Tolerance: We will have clear policies against discrimination and harassment, with transparent reporting mechanisms and accountability measures.

1. Accountability & Transparency

• Data as a DEI Tool: We'll track team demographics (anonymized) over time to see if representation shifts, especially in leadership.
• No False Narratives: We will be honest in our external communications about where we are on this DEI journey, highlighting both successes and areas needing improvement. This fosters trust and sets realistic expectations.
• Collaboration for Growth: We will actively seek out partnerships with organizations in the African entrepreneurship space who are leading the way in DEI best practices. This will help us avoid reinventing the wheel and become part of a broader change.

Why This Matters for Our Mission

• A Just Transition: Addressing climate change cannot come at the expense of equity. ZELO is about creating a green economy that works for everyone, especially those historically marginalized.
• Better Solutions: Diverse teams build more robust products. ZELO Platform designed by and for the full spectrum of our community will have a greater impact.
• Blueprint for a Better Future: We aim to show that an African tech company can prioritize social impact alongside commercial success. That includes leading by example in building an inclusive workplace.

What is your business model?

Greenfoot Africa tackles the challenge of urban logistics with a unique multi-faceted business model that prioritizes both social impact and financial sustainability. We offer a win-win solution to riders/fleet operators, local businesses, and the environment through ZELO platform.

Key Customers:

• Urban Logistics Service Providers (LSPs): These include both independent operators and business (Fleet) operators looking for more cost-effective and financially rewarding solutions.
• Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Businesses in urban areas in need of an affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly way to transport goods locally. These include FMCG distributors, e-commerce shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and B2B businesses.
• E-Commerce & Large-Scale Delivery Companies: We partner with established players to optimize their last-mile logistics using ZELO bikes, benefiting from our efficiency and local reach.

How We Provide Value

• ZELO Platform: It's not just about the bikes. Our value is in the integrated solution:
  • Rental Model: Removes the upfront cost barrier, making EVs accessible to individuals and small businesses. Lease plans offer flexibility.
  • Fleet Management Software: Allows logistics service providers to track deliveries, optimize routes, and gain insights into their logistics efficiency.
  • Rider Matching: Businesses don't need to manage their own riders or vehicles. ZELO's pool of trained riders offers on-demand delivery capacity.

Why They Choose Us

• Urban Logistics Service Providers:
  • Easy of adoption: Through an affordable rental model
  • Reduced operating costs with an electric cargo bike that costs up to 70% less to operate compared to petrol-powered alternatives.
  • Increased delivery capacity with a purpose-built electric cargo bike that can carry a load of up to 300kg.
  • Assured access to jobs with a rider-job matching system.
• SMEs:
  • Reduced operating costs: Significant savings in logistics costs compared to their current approaches.
  • Increased delivery capacity: Expanding their customer reach without establishing their own logistics fleet.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Keep their carbon footprint low and attract customers who value sustainability.
• Larger Partners:
  • Our tech and rider network increases their last-mile efficiency in densely populated urban areas.
  • Positive brand association by collaborating on green deliveries.

Revenue Streams

• Bike Rental Fees: Businesses pay a recurring fee depending on the lease term (daily, weekly, monthly) and bike capacity or features.
• Commission Fees: A 30% commission fee is charged on completed orders through the rider job matching system.
• Premium Software Features: Our future roadmap includes subscription tiers for advanced analytics and predictive service delivery tools.

Balancing Impact & Financial Sustainability

• Affordability Is Key: Pricing is competitive with traditional fuel-based deliveries. We focus on long-term customer relationships, not maximizing short-term profit.
• Impact on Riders and Operators: ZELO offers stable income exceeding the informal sector. This creates a win-win: reliable delivery for businesses and economic upliftment.
• Sustainable Growth: Revenue offsets manufacturing/assembly costs, software development, and operational expenses. Profitability allows us to scale into new cities and refine the platform.

Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?

What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable, and what evidence can you provide that this plan has been successful so far?

Greenfoot Africa recognizes that long-term impact relies on a sound revenue model that goes beyond initial grants or seed funding. Here's our multi-pronged strategy:

1. Core Revenue Streams: Proven During our proof of concept and initial platform tests with customers.

• Bike Rentals: Flexible lease plans (daily, weekly, monthly) ensure affordability for a range of customers. During our 18-month proof of concept and current testing of our prototypes, we are seeing a consistent rental demand. This recurring income makes our model predictable.

• Delivery Commissions: The 30% commission per completed delivery aligns our success with our business customers. Continuing business with customers like Greenlight Planet (Sunking) demonstrates the value.

2. Scaling Up for Increased Revenue

• Volume is Key: Our current fleet size is limited. As we invest in expanded manufacturing/assembly, increased bike rentals directly translate into greater revenue. We have a waitlist of businesses eager to switch to ZELO, demonstrating market demand.

• City Expansion: Our model is designed to be replicated in other East African cities with similar urban density and logistical challenges. Each new city represents a new revenue stream.

3. Evolving Additional Revenue Channels

• Premium Software Features: Our roadmap includes advanced analytics tools specifically targeted at optimizing logistics for large businesses. This opens up a potential subscription-based income stream.

• Micro-Fulfillment Services: Charging for temporary storage of goods in situations where it makes business and efficiency sense.

• Strategic Data Partnerships: While privacy is paramount, anonymized data on deliveries could be invaluable to city governments and researchers. We'll explore ethical revenue models with a focus on long-term partnerships.

Evidence of Our Model's Viability

• Proof-of-Concept Metrics: While early-stage, we have hard data on rental income, commission generated, and the cost savings businesses experienced – this gives us a baseline to build realistic projections.

• Investor Interest: We have secured a total of 86,000 USD in funding combining Grants, Loans, and Angel Investment, demonstrating that investors see the potential in our market-driven solution tailored to Africa's needs.

• Building Partner Trust: Greenlight Planet (Sunking) one of the global leaders in consumer solar solutions has expressed strong interest in continuing to use ZELO for their local distribution once we scale up. This qualitative endorsement is crucial for expansion.

Why Sustainable Growth Matters

• Reinvestment in Impact: Profit isn't just an end goal, it's the means to further refine the ZELO platform, reach underserved riders, and collect the data that will influence green urban policy.

• Private Sector Leadership: We aim to prove that you can build a successful African tech company prioritizing social impact. This attracts more impact investors to the space.

• Mitigating Grant Dependency: While initial grants are vital, relying solely on philanthropy limits our agility. A strong revenue model empowers us to respond rapidly to market needs and opportunities.

Transparency & Adaptability

We will be transparent about our financial progress, share metrics with supporters, and refine our model based on real-world results. This builds trust and fosters collaboration.