Niger Basin Nexus Acceleration Programme // Article Series No. 12: Moonsoftbio, between ethics and social responsibility
As a beneficiary of the WEF-Nexus Acceleration Programme, Moonsoftbio receives support on technical and managerial aspects covering the optimisation of its production capacity, the operation of its biodigester models, the measurement of its social and environmental impact, and the production and commissioning of biodigesters for strategic objectives.
This article is also available in French.
Moonsoftbio started with biodigesters made from scrap metal and plastic and has been offering prototypes made exclusively from plastic for the past few months. This new positioning better fits the start-up's vision, which is to contribute to the recycling of plastic waste in Conakry and the surrounding area.
The new types of Moonsoftbio biodigester are recyclable, corrosion-resistant and flexible. They require less maintenance and are designed to last for about 40 years. By integrating plastic polymers into the manufacturing process, the start-up has been able to reduce its production costs by almost 40%, and recycle about one tonne of plastic waste to produce four biodigesters. To support the supply of plastic materials, Moonsoftbio works with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth organisations in Conakry. These organisations provide the start-up with almost 28 tonnes of fermentable waste per month, from which it can produce 200 litres of fertiliser and compost.
The start-up is currently developing a mobile application exclusively for remote monitoring of biodigesters. The application will serve as a communication interface between customers and Moonsoftbio's technical team, from identifying faults to tracking requests, via user demos and product data sheets. It will also be used to coordinate maintenance work and customer service.
Towards responsible policies
Beyond profits, the start-up is not only concerned about the well-being and safety of its employees, but also about improving its environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts. To this end, it has conducted a health and safety diagnostic, leading to the implementation of an occupational health and safety policy, the development of a risk map and permanent intervention and emergency plans. In terms of measuring ESG impacts, an assessment was carried out to identify the sources of impacts. This process led to proposed solutions for reducing the start-up's water and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Moonsoftbio is working to improve its services offering and expand its customer portfolio with the expertise of 2iE's Centre d'Entrepreneuriat et d'Incubation (CIE). A project to install four biodigesters in a primary school is currently being implemented. The company's business model and business plan are also being updated to improve its positioning.
In doing so, the Guinean start-Moonsoftbio is receiving support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as part of the Nexus Water-Energy-Food Security (WEF) Acceleration Programme implemented by the 2iE Institute. This programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
