Jugaad Africa

Patrik Andersson July 1, 2024

Press Release: Supporting Frugal Innovation in Ghana, Kenya, and beyond.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sustainability Groups launches “Jugaad Africa” to drive grassroots innovation across the continent

Stockholm, Sweden — 1st July 2024— Sustainability Groups, a Swedish non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, is proud to announce the launch of its latest initiative, Jugaad Africa. This groundbreaking project introduces the concept of Jugaad, a South Asian model of frugal, non-conventional innovation, to grassroots communities across Africa.

Jugaad, a Hindi word, refers to a flexible and resourceful approach to problem-solving, where limited resources are used to create simple yet effective solutions. In essence, it is about “doing more with less.” The Jugaad Africa project aims to empower local innovators by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to create affordable, sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges facing their communities.

“Through Jugaad Africa, we are bringing an alternative approach to innovation that is deeply rooted in adaptability and resilience, much like the communities we serve in Africa,” said Neil Williams, co-founder and Board Member at Sustainability Groups. “By combining grassroots ingenuity with sustainable development goals (SDGs), we aim to create a new wave of community-led innovation across the continent.”

Jugaad Africa represents a departure from more traditional, top-down models of development that often rely on large investments and advanced technology. Instead, it promotes a bottom-up, grassroots approach, harnessing local knowledge, talent, and resources.

The Jugaad philosophy aligns with several homegrown African approaches to innovation, such as the M-Pesa mobile money system in Kenya and makoko floating schools in Nigeria, both of which demonstrate the ability to innovate under constrained circumstances. However, Jugaad differs in that it explicitly champions frugality and improvisation, often through repurposing existing materials. While many African innovators already display a natural inclination towards resourcefulness, Jugaad Africa aims to formalize this practice, offering a structured framework that connects local efforts to the broader global sustainability movement.

Furthermore, the Jugaad Africa initiative focuses on sustainable development, emphasizing solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to long-term ecological and social sustainability.

About Sustainability Groups

Sustainability Groups is a non-profit social venture based in Sweden, committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through digital technology and socio-technical activism. It is responsible for multiple international projects, including Project Donne, an AI-powered platform to accelerate renewable energy transitions on small islands, and RAID Manager, a global open-source risk management toolkit.

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