R/GA Innovation Exchange Spotlight: Meet Geogette Ndabukiye of Wazi Vision
As part of our Inclusive Innovation series, we interviewed the female founders who participated in the 2019 R/GA Innovation Academy with Kinship at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. We spoke with Geogette Ndabukiye of Wazi Vision about changing the narrative on entrepreneurship in Africa.
In some respects, Americans may see Africa as a war-torn continent run down by a dictator with a limited size market for entrepreneurs to scale within. In other cases, Africa is respected for its vibrancy in innovation and rightfully known for being one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world.
Still, most founders in Africa believe it’s not enough to embark on an entrepreneurial path without giving back to the very communities they grew up in. They see Africa’s growing startup ecosystem as an opportunity to act as local change agents combating governmental inefficiencies.
Geogette Ndabukiye, Co-Founder and CMO of Wazi Vision, is an example of an African female founder that chose to service her Ugandan community through the power of eyesight. She’s on a mission to change the American perspective and prove that sustainable businesses can flourish outside of notable markets like the United States and China.
“Due to the development issues we have and the government, most businesses here have a social impact. Our problems stare us in the face every single morning. We wake up to this reality that there are no jobs and so many people in Uganda need eyewear, but they can’t afford it. We want to make sure everyone in Uganda has access to eye testing and affordable, stylish and durable eyewear,” Geogette said.
“I truly believe that Wazi can change the perspective through building a sustainable business in Uganda. We exist in a great market ripe for scaling. We have an opportunity and a platform to change the story of Uganda.”
Wazi Vision focuses on providing an alternative to existing eye care solutions. They design and provide eyewear at 80% of the cost of other eyeglasses in the African market. Traditional eyecare stores sell an average pair of glasses at $180, yet the average Ugandan only makes about $40 per month. Wazi, with support from the United States Africa Development Foundation (USADF) and Greentec Capital Partners, has also developed software and a mobile kit that uses Virtual Reality technology to test for eye acuity without the need for an optometrist.
This kit will help Wazi be able to reach communities that do not have optical centers or need to travel long distances to access basic eye care. The VR gear was intuitively designed with modules for adults and children. It is interactive, easy to use, and needs no prior knowledge of optometry. In 2017, they were able to organize eye camps and test more than 5,000 children in multiple schools across Uganda and provide those in need of eyewear.
“Our idea is that because eye testing equipment is expensive and there are no eye testing clinics, we are researching and developing 3D VR eye testing glasses. When you put them on you get your eyes tested, you know what the issues with your vision are, and we provide you with that information.”
According to the World Health Organization, 285 million people are visually impaired. In Uganda alone, over 1.2 million people are visually impaired, yet the cost of corrective lenses and eye testing services is still high. Wazi Vision reduces that cost by utilizing large amounts of plastic waste found in landfills and around the local communities.
Not only does Wazi provide affordable eyecare and reduce plastic waste, but they also employ women across the country who are trying to secure a sustainable income to pick the plastic from landfills, city centers, and recreational centers. After the plastic is collected, Wazi rents 3D Printer machines to have the glasses molded and produced after they have them designed.
Over the past few years of operation, Wazi has trained women to design eyewear, perform tests in communities, and manage logistics for delivery of eyeglasses. They have also donated eyewear to children that otherwise cannot afford even the cheaper alternatives they provide. 10% of every pair of glasses bought is contributed to the purchase of a pair of eyeglasses for a child in need.
“Because of our political system and the way our country is structured, there are so many things that low-income people could have access to but don’t. It is very difficult for those people to access basic services or have job opportunities. At Wazi, we’re excited to be able to support local efforts across the board, including affordable eyewear, plastic waste reduction, and a sustainable income for women. “
Wazi Vision is looking to expand and explore opening retail stores in other African markets like Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Southern Africa while continuing to lead with serving their communities.
“We believe that to be successful; we need to focus on improving the lives of those around us and empower them to grow. “
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This year, R/GA Ventures partnered with Kinship, the newly launched ventures, technology, and business innovation arm of Mars Petcare, rebranding the program the R/GA Innovation Exchange with Kinship. The R/GA Innovation Exchange program extended its marketing and advertising focus to tech startups in the growing sphere of purpose-driven companies that can create positive change on a global or local scale.
To learn more and stay in the know, visit ventures.rga.com/studios or follow @rgaventures on Twitter.
