KickStart International

KickStart International is a non-profit organization that focuses on designing and promoting technologies that can be used by entrepreneurs to establish profitable small-scale enterprises in developing countries. The organization aims to lift people out of poverty by providing them with the tools and opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods.

History

KickStart International was founded in 1991 by Martin Fisher and Nick Moon. The organization was initially known as ApproTEC before rebranding to KickStart International. The founders, both engineers, were inspired to create practical solutions to address poverty in Africa.

Mission

The mission of KickStart International is to lift millions of people in Africa out of poverty quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably. The organization achieves this by developing and promoting technologies that can be used by local entrepreneurs to start and run profitable small businesses.

Technologies

KickStart International is best known for its innovative MoneyMaker irrigation pumps. These pumps are designed to be affordable and easy to use, enabling small-scale farmers to irrigate their crops and increase their agricultural productivity. The two main types of pumps developed by KickStart are:

• MoneyMaker Hip Pump
• MoneyMaker Max Pump

These pumps have helped thousands of farmers to improve their yields, extend their growing seasons, and increase their incomes.

Impact

KickStart International has had a significant impact on poverty reduction in Africa. By providing affordable and effective technologies, the organization has enabled thousands of entrepreneurs to start small businesses, create jobs, and improve their standards of living. The use of MoneyMaker pumps has led to increased agricultural productivity, food security, and economic growth in the regions where they are used.

Partnerships

KickStart International collaborates with various organizations, governments, and private sector partners to expand its reach and impact. These partnerships help to distribute the technologies more widely and provide additional support to the entrepreneurs who use them.

Awards and Recognition

KickStart International has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative approach to poverty reduction and its impact on communities in Africa. Some of the notable awards include:

• Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship
• Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award

See Also

• Social entrepreneurship
• Irrigation
• Poverty alleviation
• Sustainable development