MPost Digital Addressing for Universal Access For Humanity
- Kenya
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
MPost: Revolutionizing Addressing Solutions
MPost is a patented digital addressing solution that tackles the challenge of obtaining a verifiable address by 99% of the world who lack a verifiable address by transforming mobile numbers into smart digital addresses. This innovative solution, currently operational in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, offers a groundbreaking approach to address verification. By utilizing mobile numbers as digital smart addresses, MPost provides individuals and businesses with a reliable and verifiable addressing system.
Product Offering:
Digital Smart Addresses: MPost converts mobile numbers into digital smart addresses, offering a unique and verifiable identification system for individuals and businesses.
National Postal Office Integration: Our solution can be integrated with national postal offices to facilitate the creation of digital P.O. Boxes, enhancing efficiency and security in mail delivery.
Partnerships with Courier and E-commerce Companies: MPost collaborates with courier and e-commerce companies, offering verifiable addresses that reduce returns and improve delivery accuracy, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.
To obtain an MPost address, the process is quick and simple, taking just 30 seconds through our three access channels: USSD, WhatsApp, and our website. Here's how it works:
Input KYC Information: The individual provides their name, ID, or passport details through the chosen access channel.
Select Nearest Post Office: The user selects the post office nearest to them, which is associated with a unique postal code.
Payment of Annual Subscription: The user pays an annual subscription fee via mobile money.
Generation of Virtual Address: Upon completing the registration process, the user receives their virtual address, which is attached to the chosen postal code. For example: P.O. Box 0722944181-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
Utilization of Address: The obtained MPost address can be used for various purposes, including applying for company registrations, driver's licenses, passports, or receiving packages from e-commerce companies.
Package Notification: When a package arrives at the designated post office, the owner receives a notification informing them of its arrival.
Delivery Options: The owner of the package has the choice of either picking up the package themselves or opting for delivery.
Delivery Process: If delivery is chosen, the nearest rider picks up the package and delivers it to the specified address.
Verification of Delivery: Upon successful delivery, the owner of the package receives a unique code, which is shared with the rider to verify the completion of the delivery.
This streamlined process ensures convenience and efficiency for users, providing them with a reliable addressing solution for a wide range of applications, from official documentation to parcel delivery.
MPost's solution serves a wide range of individuals and businesses, each benefiting in distinct ways:
Individuals without Verifiable Addresses: MPost addresses the challenge faced by individuals who lack verifiable addresses, especially in regions with underdeveloped postal infrastructure. By providing a digital smart address linked to their mobile number, MPost enables individuals to receive mail, packages, and official documents, thereby enhancing their accessibility to essential services.
Diaspora Communities: Diaspora communities, particularly those originating from countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, benefit significantly from MPost's solution. They can now easily send parcels and important documents to their home countries using MPost addresses, reducing the risk of loss and improving the reliability of deliveries.
Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Small businesses and entrepreneurs often face challenges related to address verification, especially when operating from informal or remote locations. MPost addresses this issue by providing them with a verifiable digital address, enabling them to participate in formal economic activities, receive shipments, and expand their customer base.
Courier and E-commerce Companies: Courier and e-commerce companies benefit from MPost's solution by reducing the incidence of failed deliveries and returns due to incorrect or incomplete addresses. MPost addresses ensure accurate and reliable delivery, leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction for these businesses.
Government and Regulatory Bodies: MPost's solution facilitates the efficient delivery of government documents, such as licenses, permits, and official notices. By streamlining the address verification process, MPost contributes to the effectiveness of government services and regulatory compliance.
The impact of MPost's solution on the lives of its users is profound:
Accessibility: Individuals gain access to essential services and goods, regardless of their location or postal infrastructure.
Convenience: Sending and receiving mail, packages, and official documents becomes more convenient and reliable for individuals and businesses alike.
Economic Empowerment: Small businesses and entrepreneurs can participate more effectively in formal economic activities, leading to growth and prosperity.
Cost Savings: Courier and e-commerce companies benefit from reduced operational costs associated with failed deliveries and returns.
Efficiency: Government and regulatory bodies experience improved efficiency in document delivery and service provision.
Overall, MPost's solution has a transformative impact on the lives of its users, empowering individuals, facilitating economic growth, and enhancing the efficiency of logistics and government services.
Our team at MPost is exceptionally well-positioned to deliver our innovative digital addressing solution we are from diffrent countries in africa including Kenya ,Rwanda ,american and burundi for several key reasons:
Expertise and Experience: Our team comprises individuals with extensive expertise in technology, logistics, and business development. We have a deep understanding of the challenges associated with traditional addressing systems and have leveraged our collective experience to develop a robust and effective solution.
Proven Track Record: MPost has already successfully implemented our digital addressing solution in multiple countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. Our track record of success demonstrates our ability to execute and deliver tangible results.
Strategic Partnerships: We have established strategic partnerships with national postal offices, courier companies, e-commerce platforms, and regulatory bodies. These partnerships enable us to integrate our solution seamlessly into existing infrastructure and maximize its impact.
Scalable Technology Platform: Our technology platform is scalable and adaptable, allowing us to customize our solution to meet the unique needs of different markets and user segments. This flexibility ensures that we can rapidly expand our reach and address new opportunities.
Customer-Centric Approach: At MPost, we prioritize the needs and preferences of our users. We continuously gather feedback and iterate on our solution to ensure that it remains relevant, user-friendly, and effective.
Commitment to Innovation: Innovation is at the core of everything we do at MPost. We are constantly exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance our solution and stay ahead of the curve in addressing the evolving needs of our users.
Overall, our team's combination of expertise, experience, strategic partnerships, scalable technology platform, customer-centric approach, and commitment to innovation uniquely positions us to deliver our digital addressing solution effectively and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our users.
- Other
- 1. No Poverty
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Pilot
We are currently doing a pilot in Rwanda and Burundi and we are currently raising a seed extention
We are applying to Solve because we believe that their network and resources can help us overcome specific barriers and accelerate the impact of our digital addressing solution. Specifically, we hope that Solve can assist us in addressing the following financial, technical, and market barriers:
Financial Barriers: While we have made significant progress in securing funding for our seed extension round, we recognize the importance of additional financial support to fuel our growth and expansion plans. Solve's network of potential investors and partners can provide valuable funding opportunities to help us scale our operations, penetrate new markets, and further enhance our technology platform.
Technical Challenges: Developing and maintaining a scalable and reliable technology platform is crucial for the success of our solution. We believe that Solve's network of technical experts and advisors can offer valuable insights, guidance, and resources to help us overcome technical challenges, optimize our platform, and stay at the forefront of innovation in the addressing space.
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape in different countries can present significant challenges for our solution. Solve's network of legal experts and regulatory advisors can provide us with valuable guidance and support to navigate these complexities, ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, and mitigate legal risks as we expand into new markets.
Cultural and Market Differences: Adapting our solution to different cultural and market contexts is essential for its success in diverse regions. Solve's network of cultural experts and market analysts can help us gain deeper insights into local customs, preferences, and behaviors, enabling us to tailor our solution effectively to meet the needs of users in different countries and regions.
Overall, we believe that Solve's expertise, network, and resources can provide us with invaluable support in overcoming financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers, helping us to accelerate the impact of our digital addressing solution and bring its benefits to communities around the world.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
Our solution, MPost, is innovative in several ways that set it apart from traditional addressing systems and approaches to parcel delivery:
Utilization of Mobile Numbers as Addresses: MPost revolutionizes the concept of addresses by leveraging mobile numbers as digital smart addresses. This approach eliminates the need for traditional physical addresses and provides individuals and businesses with a reliable and verifiable addressing system that is directly linked to their mobile phones.
Streamlined Registration Process: With MPost, obtaining a digital smart address is quick and simple, taking just 30 seconds through our USSD, WhatsApp, or website channels. Users input their KYC information, select the nearest post office, pay an annual subscription fee via mobile money, and receive their virtual address attached to a unique postal code.
Enhanced Parcel Delivery Options: MPost offers users the flexibility to choose between picking up their parcels at the designated post office or opting for delivery to their specified address. This choice empowers users to select the most convenient option based on their preferences and circumstances.
Real-time Notifications and Verification: When a package arrives, MPost sends a notification to the owner, informing them of its arrival. If delivery is chosen, the owner receives a unique code to verify the completion of the delivery, enhancing security and transparency in the parcel delivery process.
Potential for Broader Positive Impacts: MPost's innovative addressing solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in various ways. By providing individuals and businesses with reliable addresses, MPost facilitates access to essential services, enables economic empowerment, and enhances logistical efficiency. Additionally, by reducing the incidence of failed deliveries and returns, MPost contributes to cost savings and environmental sustainability for courier and e-commerce companies.
Market and Landscape Transformation: MPost has the potential to transform the market and landscape of addressing and parcel delivery services. By introducing a digital addressing solution that is accessible, reliable, and scalable, MPost addresses the shortcomings of traditional addressing systems and positions itself as a leader in the digital addressing space. As MPost expands its reach and influence, it could catalyze similar innovations and improvements in addressing and logistics sectors worldwide, driving positive change and innovation across the industry.
Overall, MPost's innovative approach to addressing and parcel delivery has the potential to revolutionize the way addresses are verified and utilized, bringing about positive impacts for individuals, businesses, and the broader market landscape.
Problem: Many people, especially in regions with underdeveloped postal infrastructure, lack verifiable addresses, leading to challenges in receiving mail, packages, and official documents. This results in inefficiencies, frustration, and missed opportunities for individuals and businesses.
Theory of Change:
Activities:
Develop and Implement Digital Addressing Solution: MPost will develop and implement a digital addressing solution that leverages mobile numbers as digital smart addresses.
Establish Partnerships: MPost will establish partnerships with national postal offices, courier companies, e-commerce platforms, and regulatory bodies to integrate and promote the use of its digital addressing solution.
Provide User Training and Support: MPost will provide user training and support to ensure individuals and businesses understand how to obtain and utilize their digital smart addresses effectively.
Outputs:
Accessible Digital Smart Addresses: MPost will provide individuals and businesses with accessible digital smart addresses linked to their mobile numbers.
Streamlined Parcel Delivery Process: MPost will streamline the parcel delivery process by offering users the option to choose between picking up parcels at designated post offices or opting for delivery to their specified addresses.
Immediate Outcomes:
Improved Address Verification: Individuals and businesses will experience improved address verification, leading to increased reliability and efficiency in receiving mail, packages, and official documents.
Reduced Failed Deliveries and Returns: Courier and e-commerce companies will experience a reduction in failed deliveries and returns due to accurate and reliable addressing, leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.
Longer-Term Outcomes:
Enhanced Access to Essential Services: Individuals and businesses will have enhanced access to essential services, such as applying for licenses, permits, and official documents, due to reliable addressing.
Economic Empowerment: Small businesses and entrepreneurs will be able to participate more effectively in formal economic activities, leading to growth and prosperity in local communities.
Environmental Sustainability: The reduction in failed deliveries and returns will contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing resource wastage and carbon emissions associated with unnecessary transportation.
Evidence:
Third-party research and data from pilot studies in regions where MPost has already implemented its solution demonstrate improved efficiency and reliability in addressing and parcel delivery.
Interviews with users of MPost's solution provide qualitative evidence of the positive impact on their daily lives and businesses.
In summary, MPost's theory of change illustrates how its activities will lead to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes, ultimately addressing the problem of unreliable addressing systems and inefficient parcel delivery, and bringing about positive impacts for its target population.
Impact Goals:
Increased Accessibility: Our goal is to increase accessibility to essential services and goods for individuals and businesses by providing them with reliable and verifiable digital smart addresses. We aim to ensure that anyone, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, can access our addressing solution and benefit from improved mail and parcel delivery services.
Enhanced Economic Empowerment: We aspire to enhance economic empowerment for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities by enabling them to participate more effectively in formal economic activities. Through our solution, we aim to facilitate access to markets, reduce logistical barriers, and stimulate local economic growth and prosperity.
Improved Environmental Sustainability: Our goal is to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing resource wastage and carbon emissions associated with failed deliveries and returns. By optimizing parcel delivery processes and minimizing unnecessary transportation, we aim to promote eco-friendly practices and mitigate the environmental impact of logistics operations.
Measurement and Progress Indicators:
Number of Users: We measure our progress by tracking the number of individuals and businesses using our digital addressing solution. This indicator reflects the reach and adoption of our solution and serves as a proxy for increased accessibility to essential services.
Parcel Delivery Success Rate: We monitor the success rate of parcel deliveries facilitated through our solution. By tracking the percentage of successful deliveries compared to total deliveries, we assess the reliability and effectiveness of our addressing system in enhancing access to goods and services.
Economic Impact: We assess the economic impact of our solution by measuring indicators such as the growth of small businesses, job creation, and income generation in communities where our solution is deployed. This allows us to gauge the extent to which our solution contributes to economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.
Environmental Footprint: We evaluate the environmental footprint of our solution by measuring indicators such as the reduction in carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and packaging waste associated with parcel delivery operations. This enables us to quantify the environmental benefits of optimizing logistical processes and promoting sustainable practices.
By tracking these impact goals and progress indicators, we aim to continuously evaluate and improve the effectiveness of our solution in creating positive transformational impacts on people's lives and the environment.
The core technology powering MPost's solution is a combination of mobile application development, telecommunications infrastructure, and data management systems. Here's how it works:
Mobile Application Development: MPost has developed user-friendly mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms. These applications enable individuals to easily access and utilize MPost's digital addressing solution through their smartphones. Users can register for a digital smart address, manage their account, receive notifications, and track parcel deliveries directly from the MPost mobile app.
Telecommunications Infrastructure: MPost leverages telecommunications infrastructure, including USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and WhatsApp messaging platforms, to provide alternative access channels for individuals who may not have smartphones or internet connectivity. Through USSD and WhatsApp, users can access MPost's services using basic feature phones, making the solution accessible to a wider audience.
Data Management Systems: Behind the scenes, MPost utilizes robust data management systems to securely store and process user information, addresses, parcel delivery details, and transaction records. These systems ensure the accuracy, reliability, and privacy of user data, while also enabling efficient parcel tracking and delivery management.
Integration with Partner Services: MPost integrates its technology with partner services, including national postal offices, courier companies, e-commerce platforms, and mobile money providers. This integration allows for seamless communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in the parcel delivery ecosystem, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.
Geolocation and Mapping Technologies: MPost utilizes geolocation and mapping technologies to accurately assign postal codes and link addresses to specific geographic locations. This ensures that parcels are delivered to the correct destination and enables users to easily locate nearby post offices and pick-up points.
Overall, MPost's solution leverages modern mobile technology, telecommunications infrastructure, and data management systems to provide a reliable and accessible digital addressing solution. By harnessing the power of technology, MPost aims to address the challenges of unreliable addressing systems and inefficient parcel delivery, benefiting individuals, businesses, and communities worldwide.
- A new technology
We have conducted a pilot in kenya and we have over 600,000 digital addresses registered and we have signed the post office of rwanda ,kenya and burundi to create virtual PO Box
- Big Data
- Crowd Sourced Service / Social Networks
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Burundi
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Botswana
- Canada
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- United States
we have 15 full time employees
we have been working on the solution for the past 7 years
At MPost, we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment. We are committed to ensuring that our team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.
Diversity of Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that diversity in leadership enhances creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving. Our team comprises individuals from various ethnicities, genders, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization.
Goals for Becoming More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive: We are committed to continually improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. Our goals include:
Increasing Representation: We aim to increase the representation of underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, at all levels of our organization, including leadership positions.
Removing Barriers to Opportunity: We strive to minimize barriers to opportunity for staff by promoting equal access to professional development opportunities, career advancement, and leadership roles. We provide mentorship, training, and support to help all team members reach their full potential.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment where all team members feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We foster open communication, encourage collaboration, and celebrate the diverse perspectives and contributions of our team members.
Actions Taken to Achieve These Goals: To achieve our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, we have taken the following actions:
Diverse Hiring Practices: We implement inclusive hiring practices to attract and retain a diverse workforce. We actively recruit from diverse talent pools, use blind resume screening techniques to reduce bias, and ensure diverse representation on hiring panels.
Training and Education: We provide training and education on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics to all staff members. This includes workshops, seminars, and discussions on unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership.
Employee Resource Groups: We support the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a platform for employees from underrepresented groups to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change within the organization.
Regular Feedback and Assessment: We regularly solicit feedback from staff members on their experiences and perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. We use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted initiatives to address any challenges or concerns.
By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are building a stronger, more resilient organization that is better equipped to address complex challenges and drive meaningful impact. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all team members can thrive and contribute to our mission.
MPost's business model revolves around providing value to both our customers and beneficiaries through our innovative digital addressing solution. Here's an overview of our business model:
Key Customers:
Individuals: Our solution serves individuals who lack verifiable addresses, especially in regions with underdeveloped postal infrastructure. They benefit from our digital smart addresses, which enable them to receive mail, packages, and official documents reliably and conveniently.
Businesses: Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and e-commerce companies are key customers of our solution. They use MPost addresses to streamline their operations, reduce delivery costs, and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring accurate and reliable parcel delivery.
Products and Services:
Digital Smart Addresses: We provide individuals and businesses with digital smart addresses linked to their mobile numbers. These addresses serve as reliable and verifiable locations for receiving mail, packages, and official documents.
Parcel Delivery Solutions: MPost offers parcel delivery solutions that include options for users to either pick up their parcels at designated post offices or opt for delivery to their specified addresses. We facilitate seamless and efficient parcel tracking and delivery processes.
How We Provide These Products and Services:
Mobile Applications and Access Channels: Users can access our digital addressing solution through user-friendly mobile applications available on Android and iOS platforms. Additionally, we provide alternative access channels, such as USSD and WhatsApp, to cater to users without smartphones or internet connectivity.
Partnerships and Integration: We collaborate with national postal offices, courier companies, e-commerce platforms, and regulatory bodies to integrate our solution into existing infrastructure and services. This partnership approach ensures widespread adoption and seamless delivery of our products and services.
Why They Want or Need Them:
Reliable Addressing: Individuals and businesses need reliable addressing solutions to ensure that mail, packages, and official documents are delivered accurately and efficiently. MPost addresses provide a solution to the problem of unreliable addressing systems, especially in regions with inadequate postal infrastructure.
Convenience and Efficiency: Our solution offers convenience and efficiency by streamlining the parcel delivery process. Users can easily track their parcels, choose delivery options, and receive notifications, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
Revenue Model: MPost generates revenue through subscription fees for its digital smart addresses and transaction fees for parcel delivery services. Users pay an annual subscription fee to obtain and maintain their digital smart addresses, while courier companies and e-commerce platforms pay transaction fees for utilizing MPost's parcel delivery solutions.
In summary, MPost's business model focuses on providing value to individuals and businesses through reliable addressing solutions and efficient parcel delivery services. We generate revenue through subscription and transaction fees, while also driving positive social impact by improving accessibility and reliability in mail and parcel delivery.
- Government (B2G)
Our plan for achieving financial sustainability at MPost revolves around a combination of revenue streams, including subscription fees, transaction fees, and strategic partnerships. Here's how we intend to fund our work and evidence of our success so far:
1. Subscription Fees for Digital Smart Addresses:
- Individuals and businesses pay an annual subscription fee to obtain and maintain their digital smart addresses. This recurring revenue stream provides a steady income for MPost and covers operational expenses.
2. Transaction Fees for Parcel Delivery Services:
- Courier companies and e-commerce platforms pay transaction fees for utilizing MPost's parcel delivery solutions. These fees contribute to revenue generation and profitability, particularly as our user base and transaction volume increase.
3. Strategic Partnerships:
- We establish partnerships with national postal offices, courier companies, e-commerce platforms, and regulatory bodies to integrate our solution and provide value-added services. These partnerships may involve revenue-sharing agreements or service contracts, further diversifying our income sources.
Evidence of Success:
Subscription Revenue: We have successfully onboarded a significant number of users who pay annual subscription fees for their digital smart addresses. This recurring revenue stream demonstrates the viability and attractiveness of our addressing solution to individuals and businesses.
Transaction Revenue: Our parcel delivery solutions have been adopted by courier companies and e-commerce platforms, resulting in transaction fees that contribute to our revenue stream. The growing volume of parcel deliveries facilitated through our platform indicates its effectiveness and value to partners.
Strategic Partnerships: We have established partnerships with national postal offices and courier companies in regions where our solution is implemented. These partnerships have led to revenue-sharing agreements and service contracts, enhancing our financial sustainability and market presence.
Investment Funding: Additionally, we have secured investment funding from reputable investors, such as Expert Dojo, Techstars, and RenewCapital. This funding supports our growth and expansion efforts, providing further evidence of investor confidence in our business model and potential for success.
Overall, our diverse revenue streams, successful partnerships, and investment funding demonstrate our progress towards achieving financial sustainability at MPost. We continue to focus on expanding our user base, enhancing our product offerings, and forging strategic alliances to drive long-term growth and impact.