Mission: Possible – Innovating for the World’s Most Marginalized

Heiko Gebauer

Description: Mission: Possible – Innovating for the World’s Most Marginalized examines social innovations at the intersection of technology, policy, and community action. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts and innovators tackling systemic challenges in low-income and underserved contexts—from water access and financial inclusion to climate adaptation and digital public goods. The podcast highlights not only what works, but why it works: unpacking business models, behavioral insights, design principles, and research evidence behind scalable social impact. Designed for practitioners, researchers, students, and curious global citizens, this podcast translates complex development challenges into practical lessons for building a more equitable world. Key content: Innovation, Inclusion, Equity, Resilience, Poverty, Community, Empowerment, Impact, Justice, base of the pyramid, transformative services

  1. #61 Project Maji: Pricing Water, Powering Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

    MAR 5

    #61 Project Maji: Pricing Water, Powering Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Description What happens when clean water becomes both a human right and a business puzzle? In this episode, we dive into Project Maji—a nonprofit social enterprise that builds solar-powered water kiosks across rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in Ghana and Kenya. We follow founder Sunil Lalvani’s journey from witnessing a broken hand pump to designing a modular “Maji Cube” that delivers reliable water through remote monitoring and cashless payments. But the real tension sits at the heart of the model: pricing. Charging a small fee can keep systems running and fund maintenance, yet raising prices to scale faster risks backlash, inequity concerns, and accusations of profiteering. As Project Maji explores peri-urban expansion to generate earned revenue—and even considers household connections—we unpack the strategic trade-offs between mission, sustainability, and growth. Along the way, we compare similar models in the region, examine how technology curbs leakage and boosts reliability, and ask the big question: what’s a fair price for water when the goal is impact at scale? Key Words / Tags Project Maji; water kiosks; solar water systems; Sub-Saharan Africa; Ghana; Kenya; WASH; social enterprise; impact investing; Danone Communities; pricing strategy; last-mile infrastructure; rural development; peri-urban markets; cashless payments; NFC tokens; remote monitoring; sustainability; scalability; cross-subsidization; gender and water; public health; SDG 6; inclusive business; water governance

    6 min
  2. #60 Shenzhen Power Solution Replacing Kerosene Lamps with Solar Innovation

    MAR 5

    #60 Shenzhen Power Solution Replacing Kerosene Lamps with Solar Innovation

    Description Across sub-Saharan Africa, hundreds of millions of people still live without reliable electricity. For many families, the night is lit only by candles or kerosene lamps—dangerous, unhealthy, and costly sources of light. In this episode, we explore how a Chinese social enterprise is working to change that reality. Shenzhen Power Solution (SPS), founded by entrepreneur Susan Li, has developed ultra-affordable solar products designed specifically for communities living off the electricity grid. Its flagship product, the “Candles Killer” solar lamp, costs less than five dollars yet provides years of clean, reliable lighting. By combining frugal engineering, innovative distribution partnerships, and pay-as-you-go financing models, SPS has brought solar lighting to millions of households across Africa. In this episode, we discuss how SPS identified a massive market opportunity at the bottom of the pyramid, how the company built a sustainable business model serving low-income communities, and the real-world impact of replacing kerosene lamps with solar energy. We also examine the challenges of scaling social enterprises—from logistics and financing to local partnerships and supply chain localization. Join us as we explore how technology, entrepreneurship, and social innovation can illuminate the world’s most underserved communities—and what lessons this case offers for the future of sustainable development. Key words Social innovation, solar energy, off-grid energy, energy access, Africa development, Shenzhen Power Solution, Candles Killer, Social entrepreneurship, Bottom of the pyramid, frugal innovation, renewable energy, sustainable business models, energy poverty, pay-as-you-go solar, clean technology

    5 min
  3. #59 How AFEX is modernizing African Agriculture

    MAR 5

    #59 How AFEX is modernizing African Agriculture

    Description In this episode, we dive into the AFEX case—an African commodities exchange that set out to “help Africa feed itself” by connecting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to transparent markets and finance. Starting in Nigeria, AFEX learned that building a world-class trading platform wasn’t enough: without solving last-mile problems like storage, grading, logistics, and trust, there would be no reliable volume flowing through the exchange. We unpack AFEX’s business model innovation—its warehouse receipt system, input financing that boosts yields, digital price transparency for farmers using basic phones, and quality/traceability standards that attract processors and international buyers. We also examine the 2019 liquidity crunch and the strategic pivot that followed: restructuring into three entities (AFEX Fair Trade, AFEX Commodities Exchange, and AFEX Investment) to scale infrastructure, deepen trading liquidity, and provide working-capital financing for processors. Finally, we explore the impact and the trade-offs: how AFEX reduces post-harvest losses and improves farmer incomes, but also faces capital intensity, operational risk, regulatory complexity, and the challenge of scaling across Africa while maintaining trust and quality. Keywords AFEX; Nigeria agriculture; commodity exchange; warehouse receipt system; agri-fintech; smallholder farmers; food security; price transparency; traceability; post-harvest losses; input financing; working capital; platform business model; market liquidity; agricultural value chain; scaling in Africa; impact investing; agribusiness innovation; inclusive markets; supply chain infrastructure

    5 min
  4. #58 Clean Water, Local Responsibility: Sustainable Water Solutions with Waterkiosk Foundation

    MAR 4

    #58 Clean Water, Local Responsibility: Sustainable Water Solutions with Waterkiosk Foundation

    Description What does it take to deliver safe drinking water to communities where infrastructure is limited and traditional water systems don’t reach? In this episode, we explore the work of the Waterkiosk Foundation and its innovative approach to sustainable water access. Through decentralized water kiosks, the foundation combines solar-powered technology, community participation, and sustainable financing models to provide reliable clean water in rural villages, schools, healthcare facilities, and vulnerable communities. Instead of relying solely on aid, the Waterkiosk model creates locally managed water points that generate revenue for maintenance while remaining affordable for residents. In this episode, we discuss how the organization developed its unique social innovation model, the partnerships that make these projects possible, and the real-world impact on health, education, and economic development. We also examine the challenges of implementing water infrastructure in remote regions and how scalable, community-driven solutions can help address the global water crisis. Join us as we explore how simple technologies, strong partnerships, and sustainable thinking can transform access to one of the world’s most essential resources. Keywords Waterkiosk Foundation, clean water access, water kiosks, sustainable development, WASH, social innovation, water entrepreneurship, rural water supply, solar water systems, community water management, SDG 6, water sustainability, development innovation, nonprofit impact, global water crisis

    16 min
  5. #57 Wecyclers: Turning Trash into Cash in Lagos

    JAN 24

    #57 Wecyclers: Turning Trash into Cash in Lagos

    Description What if cleaning up a city could also put money in people’s pockets? This episode explores the inspiring case of Wecyclers, a Lagos-based social enterprise that uses incentives to change behavior, create jobs, and build a circular economy in one of Africa’s largest megacities. Founded in 2012, Wecyclers was born out of Lagos’s dual crisis of unmanaged waste and urban poverty—and a simple but powerful idea: reward households for recycling. We trace how Wecyclers built a community-centered recycling system using low-cost cargo bikes, SMS and mobile technology, and a points-for-rewards program that allows residents to exchange recyclables for food, household goods, airtime, or cash. By embedding recycling into everyday life, Wecyclers reframed waste from a health hazard into a source of value. The episode examines: How incentive-based recycling works in low-income urban communitiesThe business model behind “rewards-for-recycling”Job creation and women’s participation in the recycling value chainPartnerships with corporations and government to scale impactThe role of data, digital platforms, and innovation in informal citiesWe also discuss the challenges Wecyclers has faced—volatile recycling markets, logistics in a megacity, regulatory shifts—and how it continues to adapt as Lagos moves toward a circular and climate-resilient future. This case offers powerful lessons on behavior change, inclusive urban services, and how social enterprises can turn environmental problems into economic opportunities. Key words Wecyclers, Recycling in Lagos, Incentive-Based Recycling, Circular Economy, Urban Waste Management, Social Entrepreneurship in Africa, Waste-to-Wealth, Community Recycling, Climate Action, Green Jobs, Sustainable Cities, Behavior Change Innovation

    13 min
  6. #56 Naandi Foundation: Scaling Social Innovation from Classrooms to Coffee Farms

    JAN 23

    #56 Naandi Foundation: Scaling Social Innovation from Classrooms to Coffee Farms

    Description How does a nonprofit grow from delivering school meals to transforming entire food systems? This episode explores the remarkable journey of Naandi Foundation, one of India’s most influential social innovation organizations. Founded in 1998, Naandi set out to prove that poverty eradication could be tackled at scale through professional management, community participation, and cross-sector partnerships. We trace Naandi’s evolution from early public-private collaborations in education and nutrition to pioneering hybrid models that blend nonprofit purpose with market mechanisms. The episode dives deep into four flagship innovations: Safe drinking water through Naandi Community Water Services, a sustainable village-level water kiosk modelAraku Coffee, a globally celebrated social enterprise that transformed tribal livelihoods through regenerative agriculture and direct market accessEducation and nutrition, including large-scale Midday Meal operations and Project Nanhi Kali for girls’ educationGender-focused innovation, spanning skilling, sports, farming, and leadership for women and adolescent girlsWe also examine how Naandi uses data and evidence—such as the landmark HUNGaMA and Teenage Girls (TAG) surveys—to influence national policy, while continuously refining its programs based on community feedback and evaluation. Key discussion points include: How social enterprises can complement government systemsBlended finance and public-private partnership modelsScaling impact without losing community trustLessons from building “Arakunomics,” a regenerative and inclusive economic modelThis case study offers powerful insights into how social innovation ecosystems are built, scaled, and sustained—and what it takes to turn vulnerability into long-term resilience. Key words Naandi Foundation, Social Innovation in India, Public–Private Partnerships Araku Coffee, Safe Drinking Water Models, Girls’ Education (Nanhi Kali), Regenerative Agriculture, Inclusive Development, Hybrid Social Enterprises, Poverty Alleviation, Gender Equity, Sustainable Livelihoods

    16 min
  7. #55 SwissFreshWater: Franchising Safe Drinking Water Across Africa

    JAN 23

    #55 SwissFreshWater: Franchising Safe Drinking Water Across Africa

    Description What if access to safe drinking water could scale the same way small businesses do? In this episode, we explore the case of SwissFreshWater, a Switzerland-based social enterprise that delivers affordable, high-quality drinking water to underserved communities through a franchise-based kiosk model. Instead of relying solely on public utilities or aid-driven projects, SwissFreshWater empowers local entrepreneurs to operate neighborhood water kiosks under the Diam’O brand—turning clean water into a sustainable, community-owned service. We trace SwissFreshWater’s journey from early pilot projects in rural Senegal to a nationwide network of franchised kiosks serving tens of thousands of people daily. The episode unpacks how advanced but rugged water-treatment technology, solar power, IoT monitoring, and preventive maintenance enable reliable service even in low-infrastructure environments. Key themes include: How franchise entrepreneurship can scale essential servicesBlended finance models combining grants, impact investment, and revenueHealth impacts from reducing waterborne disease and fluoride exposureJob creation and women’s economic empowerment through kiosk ownershipEnvironmental gains from reduced plastic waste and local water treatmentWe also examine the challenges SwissFreshWater faces—from financial sustainability and quality assurance to climate risk and policy alignment—and how its evolving strategy aims to expand the model to multiple African countries in the coming years. This episode offers a compelling case study in market-based solutions for SDG 6, showing how clean water, local jobs, and environmental impact can flow from the same system. Key words SwissFreshWater, Safe Water Kiosks, Franchise-Based Service Models, Water Access in Africa, Senegal Water Innovation, Social Enterprise Case Study, Decentralized Infrastructure, Impact Investing, SDG 6 Clean Water, Water Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Climate-Resilient Water Systems

    16 min
  8. #54 Off-Grid Water in Haiti: How Decentralized Solutions Are Quenching a Nation’s Thirst

    JAN 23

    #54 Off-Grid Water in Haiti: How Decentralized Solutions Are Quenching a Nation’s Thirst

    Description In a country where safe drinking water remains out of reach for millions, innovation is flowing far beyond pipes and pumps. This episode explores how off-grid and decentralized water services are reshaping access to safe drinking water in Haiti. With limited public infrastructure and recurring political and economic crises, private enterprises, social innovators, and NGOs have stepped in to deliver clean water where centralized systems fall short. We examine the rise of solar-powered water kiosks, community-managed systems, and entrepreneurial water networks—focusing on pioneers like DloHaiti, which operates decentralized, solar-powered water kiosks that serve rural and peri-urban communities at a fraction of traditional costs. The episode also looks at how financing innovations from Untapped Global emerged directly from Haiti’s challenges, creating new models for funding off-grid infrastructure in fragile markets. Alongside social enterprises, we explore the role of established providers such as Caribbean Bottling Company (Culligan), NGOs deploying community kiosks, and solar-powered rural water systems that together form a resilient, if imperfect, water ecosystem. Key themes include: How decentralized water kiosks function as micro-utilitiesThe economics of selling safe water in low-income settingsPublic health and affordability impactsThe role of solar power and off-grid technologyPersistent challenges: insecurity, fuel shortages, maintenance, and scaleThis case offers powerful lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and delivering essential services in fragile contexts, showing how clean water can still flow—even when systems collapse. Key words Off-Grid Water Services, Haiti Water Crisis, Decentralized Infrastructure, DloHaiti Solar-Powered Water Kiosks, Safe Drinking Water Access, Social Enterprises in WASH, Impact Investing, Fragile States Innovation, Water Entrepreneurship, Public Health and Sanitation, Sustainable Development

    6 min
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About

Description: Mission: Possible – Innovating for the World’s Most Marginalized examines social innovations at the intersection of technology, policy, and community action. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts and innovators tackling systemic challenges in low-income and underserved contexts—from water access and financial inclusion to climate adaptation and digital public goods. The podcast highlights not only what works, but why it works: unpacking business models, behavioral insights, design principles, and research evidence behind scalable social impact. Designed for practitioners, researchers, students, and curious global citizens, this podcast translates complex development challenges into practical lessons for building a more equitable world. Key content: Innovation, Inclusion, Equity, Resilience, Poverty, Community, Empowerment, Impact, Justice, base of the pyramid, transformative services

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