Kevin Mpofu's New Entry: Sustainable Container Housing & Retail space
Harare, ZimbabweHarare, Zimbabwe
Year Founded:
Project Stage:
2015
Organization type:
hybrid
Start-Up
Budget:
$10,000 - $50,000
- Business
- Social Investment
- Employment
- Income generation
- Youth development
- Architecture
- Community development
- Construction
- Economic development
- Housing
- Sustainable development
- Urban development
- Energy conservation
- Sustainability
Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
The number of used shipping containers in Africa has increased drastically over the recent years. This is because we import more goods than we export so most of the shipping containers end up landlocked in Africa. These shipping container are ideal for recycling into retail space, offices and housing. Instead of using the conventional "brick and mortar" shipping containers can used instead. It is cheapers, takes way less time in construction (it can take 1 year to construct a skyscapper compared to 5-7 years of the same using bricks).
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.
The work is still in conceptual stage but its no debate that it will change the African landscape and reduce unemployment. The future of the project is to move from retail spaces, student housing, car parks, restaurants into finally tall rental buildings and luxury housing.
Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?
retail spaces & restaurants (engage the private sector) --> student housing (engage government) --> high rise building and luxury housing (engage global market).
Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?
Rental retail structure. As we grow into a real estate company.
Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?
Tempo housing in Nigeria. The project differs in that they are more focused on residential housing but we have taken a different approach by focusing more on retail spaces,malls and giving much preference to the youth or those of low income in Africa.
Founding Story
My partner and I are currently university students about to graduate at the Chinhoyi University of Technology . After experiencing a lot of hardships in student housing we realized that why not try and solve this problem for the future generation? That is when we started doing research and came across the use of used shipping containers. From then we expanded our business with the youth & high unemployment in mind.
Team
CastleFair Zimbabwe is a Private Limited Company owned by Daniel Tinashe Prosper and Kevin Mpofu. CastleFair’s management is highly experienced and qualified. Mr. Daniel has experience in the construction and engineering industry. Mr Mpofu has vast experience in marketing, sales and business management.
Please confirm how you heard about the Unilever Awards:
Via website. kubatana.net
Please confirm your role in the initiative (eg Founder/co-Founder) and your organisational title:
Co-Founder
Which of the 8 UN Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) pre-selected for this competition does your solution relate most closely to? [select all that apply]
Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Please provide examples of any previous entrepreneurial initiatives you have pioneered.
Advertising and marketing company.
Non-governmental organisation: luyandauthando.org
Beyond your existing team, who else are you working with to achieve your objectives, eg partners, advisors, mentors?
None.
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