The green economy includes two types of activities: traditional activities carried out with less polluting or less energy-consuming processes, and eco-activities, whose purpose is to protect the environment or manage natural resources. They are part of a green growth objective: the aim is to promote sustainable development over the long term. This approach engages the social responsibility of the companies which refer to it.
In order to impulse this dynamic in the daily life of Malian entrepreneurs, the ANWKATHON GREEN ECONOMY initiated by the Accelerator Lab. of UNDP Mali and implemented by DoniLab, the first incubator and support structure for innovative entrepreneurship in Mali.
After a first edition realized in December 2020 in Bamako, this time, it is the city of Balanzan which was in the honor. More than 240 applications were received, the interest of Segouvian entrepreneurs in the integration of green solutions in the daily life of Malians is no longer to be demonstrated. Given the limited number of participants, after a tough selection, 10 projects were finally selected:
- LET’S CONSUME AFRICAN
- RECY-PLASTIQUE
- CHARBON ECOLOGIQUE
- UNIVERS INTRANTS BIO
- HEALTH SECRET
- DONIGAZ
- JEYABULON
- FARM FUTUR OU LA FERME DU FUTUR
- DOUN PLASTIQUE
- LA FERME INTEGREE CISSE KUNDA
From Friday 03 to Sunday 05 December 2021 at the Koré center in Segou, ideation, training, coaching, consulting, and strategy were on the agenda. Thematic experts and mentors supported the entrepreneurs in the process of maturation and implementation of their projects throughout the 3 days of activities.
During the competition, participants were able to structure their projects with the help of the tools presented, supported by expert mentors, in order to develop innovative solutions in the green economy! Moments of relaxation alternating with intense work sessions helped to consolidate group cohesion and exacerbate collective intelligence.
Under the watchful eye of thematic experts and mentors, the 10 teams started the first day with a workshop on the green economy and a first pitch. This was followed by a practical workshop on structuring a “Business Model Canvas” project. During the second day, the following tools were on the menu: PESTEL; SWOT; TOM TAM SOM; 5 FORCE OF PORTER; EXECUTIVE SUMMURY.
The third and final day was dedicated to finalizing the application of the tools initiated during the Anwkathon and the last adjustments before the final pitch of the competition and the closing ceremony. It concluded with the announcement of the 3 winners who are :
- Charbon écologique
- La ferme intégrée Cissé Kunda
- Univers Intrants Bio
The three best green solutions that stood out for their quality and relevance will receive 6 months of support worth $10,000 within the DoniLab incubator.
If we have seen 3 winners, it is especially 10 teams that have not deserved.
This Anwkathon 2021 has once again demonstrated the tremendous potential for innovation and action of Malian youth!
