The following business idea is based on these principles:

Evidence-based hence acts as a map for regulators and revenue collectors to track and identify the culprits.

Is disruptive goes out of the norms of the current measures and stops corruption between government bodies and illegal producers.

Is scalable and sustainable - has ability to morph to a more value add-on to consumers and producers as it will have a database for users hence a target for market research and data collection tool.

Is user-centric / is all about the customer as it empowers the consumer and acts as a control platform for quality production.

Has a Mission – to empower the consumer by giving them power to impact producers and hence change the landscape and the culture of production and consumption.

Is profitable – it will run on a freemium model to the consumer and subscription model to producers. We plan to also integrate a sub platform to promote offers and discounts from consumers.

Business Challenge

To empower the consumer in the fight against counterfeit who has always been ignored in tackling counterfeit production in developing countries.

Involved Entities/ Partners

Consumers i.e. citizens of an economy.

Manufacturers/ producer.

Government Regulators e.g. revenue authorities and Anti-counterfeit agencies.

Main Product

Why: The spread of counterfeit is worldwide with an estimated value of 650 billion every year quoted from I.C.C. Currently Kenya has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world which challenges regulators and producers mission tackling counterfeit.

What: BAMBIA

How: The solution will run on a USSD platform which will be accessible to any mobile phone using GSM technology.

How it Works:

  1. Run / Dial *USSD#
  2. Menu appears

Bamba >Choose a Category>Enter product code and press OK> the code is scanned from both producers and government regulator codes databases then a message to confirm the authenticity of the product is sent to the mobile user.

Enquire> Choose a category e.g. medicine, beverages prices / locations / after-sales services / suggestions / current promotions (this sub-menu will mostly be under consumer awareness and feedback.)

  1. After entering the codes for selected subcategories the platform disconnects automatically.

Benefits / Pain Solved

BeforeAfter / Goals Achieved

Unfair Competition in productionFair Competition

Poor G.D.P growth rate Improved G.D.P growth rate

Low direct foreign investmentIncreased foreign investment

Poor consumer health and well-beingImproved consumer health

Negative brand awareness consumersGenuine and Positive awareness

Market size and penetration

100% penetration to all mobile users with phones using GSM technology through consumer awareness campaigns in all media channels and strategic public campaigns.

Competition

Currently no user-centric solution is in place.

References

BASCAP. (2009, May). The impact of counterfeiting on government and consumers. Frontier Economics.

Anti-Counterfeit Agency Kenya. Research Papers Abstracts on Counterfeit in Kenya.

Team Profile

Michael Farrar David

E:

M: +254724156389