Frequently Asked Questions
Why Ghana?
With a robust multi-party democracy and a lively free press, Ghana
(population 23 million) is one of the friendliest business destinations in
sub-Saharan Africa. English is the national language, the people are
welcoming and good-humored, and it's a beautiful place.
Why Koforidua?
The capital city of the Eastern Region is big enough to provide essential
services (pop. roughly 100,000) yet manageable enough for a pilot market.
It's a two-hour drive from the capital of Accra—close enough for weekly
errands yet far from the sprawl and traffic. And it has a reliable power
supply from the nearby Akosambo Dam—essential for our battery recharging
business. The surrounding villages provide a dense variety of conditions to
test our business concept.
Why not solar?
Solar power could be a great energy solution for remote African villages
someday. But right now, most solar powered products don't work long enough
on a single day's charge, especially in the long rainy season. In addition,
genuinely useful solar-powered products are simply too expensive for our
customers—and, frankly, we are skeptical that it will ever make economic
sense to include power generating capability on every device. When solar
products become more reliable and cost-effective (and we're paying close
attention), we'll definitely offer them.
Why aren't you a non-profit?
Throughout Africa, many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) come and go.
We believe the best way to improve our clients' day-to-day lives is to make
a solid profit that ensures the future of our enterprise and allows us to
continually offer more and better products and services. Poor people in
Ghana spend money every day on stuff they need in their lives—soap,
matches, flashlights, clothes. Much of what they buy is overpriced and badly
made, if not actually dangerous. Burro is selling quality products at
affordable prices, backed by personal service. In addition, we provide good
jobs for Ghanaians.
How much do you charge for batteries?
A fresh battery costs less than 15 cents, which is 20% less than the
leading disposable brands.
What is the impact on the environment?
We use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are environmentally
friendly. They should not be confused with nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries,
which are highly toxic. In addition, because our batteries are returned and
recharged, they don't end up as litter, or in children's mouths. In fact,
each Burro branch (covering about a 50 km radius), will remove over one
million batteries from the waste stream every year.
How many times can a battery be used?
Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries are typically good for about
300 charges. We constantly test our batteries to ensure quality and remove
them from service as soon as they begin to underperform. To ensure sustainable
service, our business plan accounts for battery depreciation and
replacement.
What do people use your batteries for?
In non-electrified villages, mainly flashlights and radios, followed by
cell phone chargers. Flashlights allow children to do homework, and adults
to hunt for nocturnal snails and small animals, major sources of protein
and income. Radios and cell phones are essential for staying in touch with
the outside world. In addition, we have a growing urban business among
wedding photographers, who burn through batteries quickly in their cameras
and flash units.
How can I get your batteries in North America?
Right now you can't, but we're working on it. Stay tuned.
How much money do resellers earn?
All of Burro's current resellers work part-time on the battery business.
They are also farmers, shopkeepers, hunters, and teachers. Working a few
hours a week as a Burro reseller can increase their income by 25% or more.
What does the average Ghanaian earn?
The World
Bank lists the GNI (Gross National Income) per capita at US$590 per
year for the most recent reporting year, 2007. Our resellers and clients in
rural villages are primarily at the low end of the curve and the money they
earn is almost entirely crop and market based, so varies greatly throughout
the year. In general, one to two dollars a day is an accurate
characterization of a typical Burro client's income.
Are people starving in Ghana?
No, although malnutrition has not been eradicated. Ghana has been blessed
with ample rainfall in recent years and crops are plentiful. But there have
been famines in the past, most notably in 1982. Conditions are more
challenging in the more arid northern regions of the country.
How many Ghanaians have electric power?
About half. Outside of major cities, only about 16 percent. One picture
says it all: check out this satellite photo of the world at night to see how dark
Ghana (and the rest of Africa) gets after sunset.
Is it safe to live and work there?
Yes. Ghanaians are friendly, welcoming and respectful of each other and
foreigners. Even in big cities, violent crime is low by American urban standards.
The recent presidential election (in which the opposition party won) was
spirited but largely marked by civil debate and not violent demonstration.
The country is characterized by strong yet tolerant religious values
(Christians and Muslims live side by side) and close-knit families. As for
natural hazards, tropical diseases present the same dangers as in many
other African countries, but most can be avoided with vaccines, or treated.
How soon do you plan to expand?
We don't know exactly, but probably soon. When we are confident that we
have learned how to operate our pilot branch profitably, Burro will begin
to expand rapidly. |
