Bridging Eswatini's Digital Divide
Bridging Eswatini's Digital Divide
What ?
Provide a brief on what does your venture do.
Slox Software and Tech is a technology venture aimed at addressing the digital divide in Eswatini
by providing comprehensive technology education, fostering the development of qualified tech
professionals, and creating innovative software solutions to enhance the digital infrastructure
and accessibility in the country
How ?
Explain how your venture solves the problem and make its revenue.
Our venture, Slox Software and Tech, solves the problem by offering technology education and
software development services, generating revenue through a combination of tuition fees for
training programs, software licensing, and project-based contracts, thereby equipping Eswatini
with the necessary skills and tools to bridge the digital divide and stimulate economic growth
Problem/Opportunity
CONTEXT PROBLEM ALTERNATIVES
When does the problem occur? What is the root cause of the problem? What do customers do now to fix the problem?
The lack of widespread internet infrastructure, Individuals and businesses are using available internet
The problems outlined in the previous sections occur inadequate tech education, limited funding for startups, services, often relying on lower-speed connections or
currently in Eswatini and have been persistently and digital exclusion are ongoing issues that are mobile data. Marginalized communities are relying on
impacting the country's software and tech industry affecting individuals, businesses, and the overall community centers, schools, and NGOs for occasional
development of the country's technological ecosystem. access to technology and digital resources.
• Rural and Underserved Communities • feel frustrated and left behind due to the lack of Relying solely on external investment or foreign tech
• Aspiring Tech Professionals reliable internet access and limited digital resources companies to address the challenges might result in
• Tech Startups and Entrepreneurs • eagerness and frustration limited control over the solutions and potential loss of
• Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups • feel a sense of determination coupled with local industry influence. Additionally, it could lead to
• Government and Economic Development uncertainty dependence on foreign entities for critical tech
Entities infrastructure and development.
3
QUANTIFIABLE IMPACT
What is the measurable impact (include units)?
. 2. Take your target market (SAM), within that TAM, which varies depending on geography
and other logistical factors. Determine the penetration potential of your target market. This
is the portion of the market you can reasonably compete with……………………………..
SOM
3.By conducting research with existing competitors, distributors etc., understand the likely
penetration rate………………….
Ethos Frustrations
• Sicelo faces challenges in accessing funding and resources required to kickstart
his tech startup.
Name: Sicelo Phiwayinkosi Nkambule • While Thabo has a degree in computer science, he feels the need for more
Age: 24 January 1992 (age 31) specialized training and mentorship in areas like business development,
Occupation: Internet marketing, and product management, which are crucial for building a successful
entrepreneurSoftware Bio
engineerBusinessperson Phiwa Nkambule was born in Manzini where he also spent his childhood. In 2006, as a 14-year-
Location: Manzini old, he began fixing and building computers with his uncle in a small township in Eswatini.
Nkambule moved to South Africa in 2007 for academic purposes. Phiwa was a law student at
Personality the University of Pretoria before quitting to start his first technology company Cybatar from his
garage in 2014. It was at the university where he taught himself web and app development.
Value Proposition Canvas .
What do you offer that makes the customers happy?
Help Customers enhance his technical skills and stay I would LOVE it if:
updated with the latest trends in software development. I am empowered with the ability to access the digital
Widespread availability of reliable internet world and seize opportunities that come with it. They
infrastructure empowers users to connect, learn, and aspire to connect with information, education, and job
work online seamlessly prospects that can uplift their livelihoods.
What is the product or service that you are offering? FIT I would WANT:
• Internet Infrastructure Development GAIN CREATORS GAINS unlimited Tech support because the is limited
• Tech Education Programs workarounds to access the internet and digital
• Startup Support Hub resources. This could involve using public Wi-Fi
• Digital Inclusion Initiatives
PRODUCT/
spots, internet cafes, or relying on intermittent
SERVICE JOBS
connections.
Price based on project scope and Based on hardware Based on project Based on project pricing model is designed to
complexity create a sustainable
ecosystem rather than
maximizing immediate
profits
Branding channels Strong online presence Online presence includes a Active on social media Engages actively on social branding channels emphasize
through a well-designed user-friendly website platforms media social impact and
website collaboration.
Packaging Product packaging Product packaging Emphasis on creative and Emphasis on user-centered isn't a physical product, but
emphasizes performance emphasizes performance visually engaging content. design and functionality. rather a holistic solution that
metrics and reliability metrics and reliability. includes infrastructure
development, tech
education, and startup
support
Market reviews expertise and client-oriented Mixed reviews Generally positive feedback Positive reviews for their garners positive market
approach for their creativity and ability attention to detail and user- reviews for its holistic impact
to bring ideas to life. Some centric approach. Some
comments on project concerns about
timelines communication during the
development process.
UVP Computronics stands out Netcomm's strength lies in Real Image stands out Slomos distinguishes itself UVP revolves around
Lean Canvas
Business Model (Explain with a process
SOLUTION UNFAIR ADVANTAGE diagram)
• Infrastructure • First-Mover Advantage in • Identify Problem: Recognize the challenges in tech
PROBLEM Development Eswatini's Tech Ecosystem CUSTOMER SEGMENTS accessibility and growth hindrances in Eswatini.
• Inadequate Internet • Tech Education and UNIQUE VALUE • Strong Government Support Government Agencies • Develop Solution: Design a holistic approach with
Workforce Development • Established Partnerships four key components - Infrastructure, Education,
Infrastructure PROPOSITION Educational Institutions Startup Ecosystem, and Inclusion.
• Startup Ecosystem with Educational
• Lack of Tech Education Nurturing Empower Eswatini's Institutions Tech Startups • Partnerships: Collaborate with government
• Limited Funding for • Digital Inclusion Initiatives economy through Marginalized Communities departments, educational institutions, and tech
experts for support and resources.
Tech Startups technology accessibility • Implementation: Execute infrastructure
and innovation, driving development, education programs, startup support
initiatives, and digital inclusion campaigns.
sustainable growth and CHANNELS
KEY METRICS reducing disparities. • Government • Metrics Tracking: Monitor internet penetration, tech
graduate numbers, investment inflow, and digital
• Internet Penetration Rate
Partnerships EARLY ADOPTERS inclusion progress.
• Number of Tech Graduates
• Amount of Investment in HIGH-LEVEL CONCEPT • Collaboration with • Forward-thinking • Early Adopter Engagement: Engage with forward-
COST STRUCTURE
REVENUE STREAMS
• Internet Infrastructure Investment
• Government Grants and Funding
• Education Program Costs
• Corporate Sponsorships
• Startup Funding and Support Costs
• Startup Equity and ROI
• Outreach Program Expenses
• Donations and Grants for Digital Inclusion
MVP
Who is our target audience for the test? How many of them?
Results of Test:
Realizations / Insights:
Did enough customers buy? Why or why not?
Did customers come back to our product or show interest in doing so? Why or Next Steps:
why not?
Explanation:
Forecast P&L
Profit and loss forecast
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Totals
Sales
Cash sales
COGS
Cost of goods sold 0.00
Gross profit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Operating Expenses
Salaries and Consultant Fees 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Marketing and Promotion 0.00
Interest on Loan
Result
Net Profit/Loss 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Gross profit margin
Net profit margin
Explanation:
Forecast Cash flow
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Starting Cash Position
Cash Inflows
Total Sales
Cash Outflows
Cost Of Goods Sold
Operating Expenses
New Fixed Assets Purchased
Loan Payments
Total
Result
Change during month
Closing cash position
Forecast Balance Sheet
Break-Even Analysis
Balance sheet forecast
Average sales price per unit
The numbers ref lected on this Balance Sheet are computed as of :
Average cost of each unit
Assets
Current assets 0.00 Gross profit margin
Cash Fixed costs 0
Petty cash Sales required to break even
Accounts receivable Number of unit sales to break even
Stock on hand (Inventory)
Other Assets
Fixed assets 0.00
Equipment Gross Margin %of Sale s
Furniture
Gross Margin 0
Other Fixed Assets
Total assets 0 Total Sales 0
others
Office Supplies
Misc. Expenses
Earnings (EBDITA)
Unit Economics
Unit Economics Year ……..
P & L/ unit Year ….. CAC
CLV
Revenue
ARPU
COGS
Gross Profit
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Costs
Operating Profit
The above is the Unit Economics for year 1 (year ……). Refer to P&L statement for year 1 in slide 21.
Assumptions (Year……..)
Terms Explanation (For the actual calculations, refer to the Financial Plan Excel sheet link)
CAC (Cost of Sales + Cost of Marketing ) / Number of new customers acquired (in currency terms)
CLV Average purchase value x Average purchase frequency x Average Customer Lifespan x Gross Margin
ARPU Total revenue in specific period/Total number of customers during the same period (in currency terms)
GROSS PROFIT Total revenue – Total COGS (In currency terms)
OPERATING COSTS Cost of goods sold (COGS) + operating expenses (OPEX)
OPERATING PROFIT Revenue from Core Operations – Cost of Goods Sold – Operating Expenses – Depreciation – Amortization
Expenses
CHURN RATE (Customers at the beginning of the period – customers at the end of the period) / customers at the beginning
of the period
Sales Plan
Customer Sales Funnel
Customer Acquisition Plan
TARGET MARKET: 1 2 3 4 5
?......................... Target Customer Target Customer Channels to be used to Estimated number of Estimated cost to
Segment (Type) Segment (Number) attract the target leads convert these leads to
customer segment actual customers
LEADS:
?.........................
OPPORTUNITIES/
PROSPECTS:
?.........................
CUSTOMER:
?........................
Go-to-Market Strategy
• Ensure that you have active social media presence on multiple platforms –
Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and others.
• Show your branding video. Ensure that it:
• Is crisp and engaging
• Clearly explains the brand, the venture, its target customers, and unique value
proposition.
• Show your Positioning Statement. Ensure that it clearly states what your product is
and what value it brings to the customer
• Action plan to reach your sales/customer target for the next one year.
• Show your Sales & Distribution model, clearly listing down your channels for both
sales and distribution.
Note: You may use any other template of your choice to pitch for your venture as long as
you cover all information being sought here.
Team Composition
Team member 1
Key Strengths and abilities
• possesses a clear and compelling vision for addressing the
tech accessibility challenge in Eswatini.
What makes us a good team to solve the problem we chose?
• excels at strategic planning, identifying critical opportunities,
challenges, and solutions for the venture. • comprises individual with diverse backgrounds in technology,
• consistently thinks outside the box, fostering an environment education, and business management.
of innovation within the team. • Combining technical prowess with educational expertise
• encourage creative problem-solving and the development of ensures a well-rounded approach to tackling both
novel solutions to complex challenges. infrastructure and skill development challenges.
• strong communication skills enable them to convey ideas, • member have a deep understanding of Eswatini's socio-
goals, and plans clearly to team members, partners, and economic landscape, cultural nuances, and specific
Role/Position: challenges.
CEO investors
• adept at building relationships and collaborations with • This local insight enables you to design solutions that
various stakeholders, from government bodies to educational resonate with the population and address the unique barriers
institutions and industry experts. faced by Eswatini's citizens.
Thank You!