Implemented across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa’s Place-Based Innovation initiative has catalysed widespread transformation and fostered inclusive, sustainable growth. The South Africa team not only pioneered the More Than A Woman campaign, which would later be adopted by Nigeria and Kenya, but also made strides in circular economy innovation.
Background
Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa’s Place-Based Innovation (PBI) offers a transformative, long-term approach to development by unlocking the untapped innovation potential in local communities. Focused primarily on three key regions; Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, this pioneering programme follows a strategic process that begins by addressing three fundamental questions:
- What is already in place?
- Where are the gaps?
- Who can we connect to turn innovative solutions into reality?
By first identifying existing solutions, then pinpointing the gaps in the market, Place-Based Innovation identifies space for innovative solutions that can address critical issues faced by local stakeholders.
South Africa
Tembisa
Innovate UK’s Sebenzisa Tembisa challenge bridged the gap between cutting-edge research institutions and local communities in Tembisa, South Africa, to tackle critical waste management issues and foster local economic development. Building on prior work, community workshops identified waste management as a top concern, leading to strong stakeholder support for pilot projects.
These initiatives required research institutions to partner with local organisations to ensure community engagement and address local needs. Three standout projects showcased new technologies in waste management:
- Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel – Transforming waste cooking oil into biodiesel via a circular economy model, supported by a platform integrating WhatsApp for community engagement.
- Waste-based Ethanol Gel for Cooking – Developing ethanol gel from paper pulp for cooking stoves, tested for ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and long-term viability.
- Rapid Composter – Customising and deploying a composter to convert food and garden waste into valuable compost for community gardens or sale, with plans for community ownership.
These pilots demonstrated the power of collaborative R&D, fostering sustainable economic development through technology solutions tailored to local needs.
Spotlight 1: TelioGreen Platforms, Lathitha Biodiesel, and University of Surrey
Lathitha Biodiesel, TelioGreen Platforms, and the University of Surrey developed an innovative solution to Tembisa’s used cooking oil waste, converting it into biodiesel through a circular economy model. This included an online platform with WhatsApp integration, allowing users to manage the sale and collection of waste oil, especially beneficial for users with low tech literacy. The pilot project successfully optimised biodiesel production and is set for scaling, with Lathitha Biodiesel securing new partnerships and expanding their operations.
Key project outcomes include:
- WhatsApp Chatbot for easy access to the platform.
- Real-time Supply Chain Data for inventory and efficiency management.
- Community Engagement through workshops and training to build a steady oil supply.
This model not only addresses waste management but also creates employment and promotes local entrepreneurship, contributing to social and environmental benefits, such as improved air quality through clean biodiesel.
Spotlight 2: University of Stellenbosch and Green Business College
The University of Stellenbosch and Green Business College tested the feasibility of ethanol stoves fueled by waste-based ethanol from recycled paper sludge. A baseline study involving 50 households in Tembisa revealed that ethanol was a viable alternative to traditional cooking fuels like paraffin, wood, and gas. The project demonstrated faster cooking times and lower fuel costs.
Key findings:
- Ethanol’s Advantages: Reduced air pollution and improved safety.
- Commercial Viability: Positive feedback suggests significant scaling potential, with an estimated 136,000 households needed for commercial viability.
- Community Partnerships: Collaboration with local organisations to deliver training and ensure proper usage.
Looking ahead, the project team is exploring funding models to make ethanol more affordable and scalable for low-income households.
Spotlight 3: CSIR and Clean City SA
The CSIR and Clean City SA successfully piloted a rapid composter that converts food and garden waste into compost within 72 hours. The project, in partnership with T-SHAD, a local community organisation, not only provided valuable compost for community gardens but also created potential income-generating opportunities.
Key achievements:
- High-Quality Compost: Produced from organic waste, supporting community food production.
- Community Ownership: The composter was transferred to T-SHAD for ongoing use and management.
- Scalability: The team aims to expand the project to other communities, furthering circular economy practices.
These pilot projects exemplify the power of collaboration between research, industry, and community. Innovate UK’s Sebenzisa Tembisa initiative is a testament to how innovative, community-driven solutions can address urgent local challenges and open pathways for long-term, sustainable development.
More Than A Woman
In 2023, Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa launched #MoreThanAWoman in South Africa, a campaign aimed at shining a light on the brilliant work being done by women in South Africa.
Finalists received Innovation Canvas and speaker training, followed by an opportunity to apply their learnings with a pitching event. The two winning finalists received £4,000 each in funding awards, support in the creation of a promotional highlights video, and in-person mentoring. The three runners-up received virtual mentorships.
Spotlight on Winning Solutions of 2023:
- The Mighty House of Soap – An innovative retailer, transforming used cooking oil into a range of soap products, including bar and liquid soap.
- Project One Engineering – an industrial engineering consultancy that offers design, planning and management services across the manufacturing ecosystem.
- Nubian Smarts – An education technology (EdTech) business that has developed STEM products and services for school-aged children living in townships in South Africa.
About Global Alliance Africa
The Global Alliance Africa project is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through Innovate UK (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
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