Using BioChar-based Materials to Filter Stormwater and Wastewater in Africa and Other Underserved Communities with CaDev's Chaiwe Mushauko

In this Interview, we meet Chaiwe Mushauko who is the Chief Executive Officer of CADEV (Capacity Development), a Social Enterprise based in Lusaka, Zambia. CADEV is focused on providing climate-friendly solutions to the water sector, aiming to build climate resilience through local innovations and capacity building.

ONE-LINER:

"We're making the water sector more resilient by unlocking local solutions that address climate change and water scarcity."

Pitch/Reverse Pitch:

Don’t miss Chaiwe’s Pitch for CADEV, which you can find on the video from [5:19] to [19:57].

Discussion:

After the pitch, we discuss:

• The inspiration behind CADEV, which stems from Chaiwe’s 12 years of experience in the water sector and her desire to fill gaps in enterprise development and innovation in Zambia.
• The development and promotion of biochar as a key solution in the water and sanitation sector, including its applications in water filtration, wastewater treatment, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• The need for partnerships with international organizations, universities, and investors to scale the production and application of biochar in various sectors, including mining, agriculture, and water treatment.

Insights:

At [20:48], Chaiwe discusses the interest from international organizations like the International Biochar Initiative and the U.S. Biochar Initiative in partnering with CADEV to expand the use of biochar across Africa and beyond.

Advice:

At [28:04], Chaiwe encourages startups in developing countries to dive into the water sector, emphasizing the availability of resources and opportunities to make a significant impact by offering innovative solutions.