Overseeing Economic and Environmental Harmony

World Business Journal talks to Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) about the significance of striking a harmonious balance between economic growth and biodiversity preservation.

What is the progress of implementing the Second National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP II)?

NBSAP II, covering until 2025, maintains its relevance with ongoing strategies in the implementation phase. Notable progress includes surpassing the global biodiversity target of 17% land protection, now standing at 18%. Moreover, the development of a finance plan under the biofeed program has further modernized biodiversity resources.

Efforts in ecosystem restoration, specifically forest and wetland rejuvenation, alongside initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and infrastructure, are in progress and anticipated to meet predetermined targets. 

Alignment between our National Biodiversity Plan and the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework is underway, initiated through an ongoing review process. This review includes updated commitments, such as elevating protected area coverage from 17 to 30%, necessitating a reevaluation of our protected area system, particularly emphasizing wetlands and waterbodies.

Biotechnology, notably genetically modified organisms for food, and the discourse surrounding invasive species are integral considerations. Emphasis remains on ecosystem restoration, forestry, wetlands, and wildlife as key focal points.

How can the environment be incentivised, or be made profitable? 

To encourage environmentally friendly practices, incentives could be enhanced. For example, lowering prices for cooking energy sources such as LPG gas and solar options could be effective.

Similarly, alternatives to plastics, like paper packaging and reusable materials, should be promoted. Plastic usage remains a major environmental challenge. To support these changes, the government could provide incentives such as reduced taxes or tax holidays to foster environmentally conscious industries.

Currently, NEMA has introduced tax exemptions such as the 0% tax on hotel furnishings and tour vehicles in the hotel industry. Nevertheless, there’s potential for additional advancements, particularly in harnessing value from waste. This could effectively address various environmental challenges by creating resources like briquettes, organic fertilizers, and energy.

How have digital and tech advancements aided the biodiversity and conservation efforts that NEMA undertakes?

Technology plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, encompassing monitoring, identification, and research. Presently, NEMA uses drones, satellite imaging, and remote sensors for wildlife species monitoring and census, along with GIS applications. Leveraging technology enables real-time responses to challenges like wildlife poaching and pollution, allowing for more effective interventions.

Exploring new advancements, such as virtual fencing, holds promise in preventing human-wildlife conflicts and managing livestock on our farms. We foresee the private sector taking the lead in investing in these technologies with the government playing a crucial role as both a consumer and a collaborator.

What are the potential risks associated with neglecting the equal importance of the environment in relation to economic priorities?

The environment deserves an equal footing alongside the economy; any imbalance risks dire consequences! While nature’s resilience is unmatched and will persist, neglecting its importance poses risks for economic progress. To achieve overall prosperity, it’s crucial for economics to collaborate harmoniously with nature, fostering mutual success and sustainable growth.

Microfuse Stick, the Affordable, Slimline, low Power Computer for Africa    

Karugaba Ivan, Founder of Microfuse talks to World Business Journal about Microfuse Stick which drastically cuts the cost and electrical power of Windows PC-type devices and the ambition to drive technology to all communities in Africa.

What is Microfuse Stick and how does it function?

Mirofuse Stick offers the functionality of a Windows PC for just $100. Or $200 with a 19-inch monitor, and IPS, with built-in sound and a mounting system. The stick connects to the screen via HDMI, replacing the bulky CPU and cutting energy use from the usual 200W to 35W watts compared to a typical desktop’s 200W.

We created the prototype in 2016 using Raspberry Pi compute module industrial application developer platform. Progressing from starter kits to more user-specific applications, we refined our hardware design and further enhanced the prototype.

By 2017, we tackled intellectual property concerns and gained recognition by winning the  Multimedia Innovation award at a URSB competition. In 2019, we downsized our device based on user feedback, prioritizing basic computing needs in Uganda. 

Partnering with the Uganda Industry Research Institute in 2020, we launched Version 1, producing 100 units for schools and small businesses gaining crucial insights into user preferences and pricing expectations.

Around mid-2023, Version 2 debuted, featuring Windows OS and improved cooling, receiving enthusiastic feedback even before mass production began. We ramped this up to meet high demand while keeping focus on energy efficiency and ongoing product enhancements.

Is local manufacturing a part of your business strategy for these products?

Our strategy involves the gradual localization of our value chain. Currently, our focus is on local design, creating manufacturing files and bills of materials, and sourcing components from China through contract manufacturing services. 

Our current goal is to internalize processes, with a target of achieving a 40% localization rate. This includes enclosure manufacturing and packaging through injection molding and sourcing packaging locally targeting 6 to 12 months. This endeavor is supported by a government grant from Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). We’re establishing a facility in Namanve Industrial Park, expected to reduce manufacturing costs by about 30%, aided by favorable policies like tax waiver for production inputs, contributing to overall cost reduction.

What other services does your company provide?

We specialize in product design, having crafted over 30 unique products, with six successfully transitioning to commercial phases. This ranges from addressing challenges faced by motorcycle taxi (boda boda) riders in the e-commerce industry to developing medical devices like a digital stethoscope that enhances diagnostic accuracy. 

Our focus spans education and business. In partnership with the NGO AcTogether Uganda, we’re collaborating to oversee the digitization of transaction records for over 2,700 saving groups, consolidating financial data and facilitating the transition to digital systems.

Within education, our digital platform complements our hardware, allowing students to participate in digital labs, quizzes, assessments, and access study materials, videos, and live lessons. The Global Digital Education Network, a collaboration with Madix Online Education Agency, offers schools discounted access to our hardware and platform.

How do you anticipate the next two years unfolding?

Only 9% of school-going children globally have computer access, while Africa stands at a mere 3%. This underscores the immense potential for expansion.

We foresee significant growth opportunities; expanding our product lines and market reach, aiming for an increase from 1,000 units to 100,000 units in 2024. We also plan to enter additional African markets within EAC. 

Our recent participation in the Qualcomm Make in Africa program, focused on chips and wireless communication devices gave us an eight-month mentorship under  Elliot Levine, a global technology leader and director of Worldwide Public Sector and Education at Qualcomm.

We recently got into the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Africa’s biggest prize dedicated to engineering innovation, awarding commercialisation support to innovators developing scalable solutions to local challenges. We hope to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to learn, collaborate and raise needed funds.Communicating the potential of hardware innovation has been challenging, despite the rising demand for production in Africa as global labor costs shift. We must train our workforce to seize the opportunities and prepare for the sector’s growth.

KMC Takes the Driver Seat as it Moves into High Gear

Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Chairman, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), talks to World Business Journal about the president’s role in the company’s origins, the current production plans of its models and its aspirations for the future as it cements its place in the automotive sector.

How did Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) begin?

A transformative moment came in November 2007 when a critical need arose to assist the students of Makerere University that were involved in a groundbreaking vehicle project with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The absence of support would have jeopardised the students’ graduation. Stepping up to the challenge, I collaborated with Paul Isaac Musasizi to oversee the MIT-led initiative, which began a grand scheme involving 31 universities, with Makerere University being Africa’s sole representative.

The defining moment came in November 2009, after my appointment as deputy vice chancellor, finance and Administration at Makerere University. I received word that President Yoweri Museveni would be visiting the university’s faculty of technology to see what my team and I were engaged in, and how the government could promote our work. I had no idea that my team’s work was being monitored at the highest level. The president’s December 2009 visit culminated in his invitation for my team to deliver a presentation to the Cabinet of Uganda and the reception by the Cabinet was overwhelming.

The real turning point emerged in 2010 when began building a prototype, an undeniable proof-of-concept (PoC) vehicle, that with the president’s guidance, came to be called the Kiira Electric Vehicle (KEV). This marked a year dedicated to fine-tuning designs and presentations. We successfully unveiled the PoC in November 2011 with the president’s commissioning. His endorsement and the government’s unwavering support led to the formal establishment of KMC in 2014.

Soon, the KEV, capable of travelling 80 km on a single charge, was created, subsequent followed by the Kiira EV Smack, which tackled distance limitations by combining electric motor drive and internal combustion engine drive in November 2014. The ambitious Kayoola Solar Bus, which harnessed solar energy for public transportation, was launched in February 2016.

In 2018 KMC’s establishment gained official approval by the government, opening doors for funding as we began construction at our Jinja site. Subsequently, we facilitated the domestic assembly of electric buses such as the Kayoola EVS and Kayoola Diesel Coach. This period also saw enhanced collaborations with local companies, exemplified by our partnership with Tondeka, in which we manufactured five buses for their operations.

In 2024 amidst ongoing infrastructure development and expertise in manufacturing electric and diesel buses, KMC continues to harness local resources, generate employment and significantly contribute to Uganda’s industrial growth. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating eco-friendly vehicles, forging partnerships that strengthen local industries. This commitment recognizes the pivotal role played by the president in our journey from vision to reality.

How is KMC expanding its manufacturing capabilities and market reach?

Our focus is on the imminent completion of our facility by the first quarter of 2024. Installation for assembly line production is currently in progress and projected to increase manufacturing capacity to 22 vehicles per day through a 16-step assembly process.

Expansion signals a significant move forwards as we set our sights on the East African Community market. Internally, we are exploring potential partnerships with educational institutions to facilitate bus procurement. Our aspirations are grounded in the projected demand for approximately 12m vehicles in Africa by 2040. Our aim is to secure a modest 12% share in Uganda by increasing our annual production capacity to 5000 vehicles. Such growth, if achieved, would mark a significant milestone for our operations and contribute positively to Africa’s automotive sector.

What are KMC’s future plans and collaborations?

In anticipation of our 2024 model, slated for completion by Q1 2024, we plan to introduce an additional 28 buses, enhancing our fleet. A highlight is the Non-Aligned Movement summit in January 2024, where we plan to showcase 30 improved versions of our Kayoola buses. This upgraded model is set to feature a larger capacity battery, aimed at extending range up to 400 km, from the current 300 km. We plan to establish a number of charging infrastructures, ensuring convenient and seamless access to charging points, which presents a promising opportunity for potential private investments in the charging infrastructure sector.

In parallel, our collaboration extends to the development of the Electric Trike (3-in-1), an innovative creation stemming from Kevoton Motions Engineering. This engine can serve several purposes, including powering the vehicle, pumping water at a rate of 6000 litres per day and generating electricity. Recognising its diverse applications, we have partnered with the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat to further refine and expand its functionalities, attract more innovators into these incubator programmes and foster a culture of innovation and development. The trike represents a fusion of irrigation, power generation and mobility and its successful launch has inspired future designs, paving the way for potential evolution into a two-wheeled car.