個案資料

The case begins with a brief biography of Dr. Askwar Hilonga, and background on the myriad problems created by insufficient access to fresh water. Having grown up in rural Northern Tanzania, Dr. Hilonga observed first-hand the difficulties and devastation caused by this problem, such as disease and death; lack of water for toilets and for bathing and cleaning; and difficulty delivering pre- and post-surgical care, for example. These challenges are especially dire in sub-Saharan Africa. After obtaining Master's degrees in Chemistry and in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Nanotechnology, Dr. Hilonga developed and patented a water filtration system designed to purify drinking water at the point of use. Users provide samples of the local water they intend to filter. Dr. Hilonga tests the water and customizes a nanofilter, which, working in conjunction with two standard filters, comprise a three-tiered system standing about six feet tall. The filtration efficacy rate is 99.99%. Water is periodically re-tested and filters are replaced to ensure quality. With his wife Ruth, who has Master's degrees in Business Management and in Accounting, Dr. Hilonga formed Gongali Model Company, Limited ("GMC") in 2010. With some funding and an interest-free loan, he developed prototypes and worked in the Arusha, Tanzania area to educate communities and provide demonstrations of the product. GMC works with local entrepreneurs ("LEs") who operate one or more filtration stations with the goal of attaining 100 customers each. Most LEs rent the station and, after an initial $15 installation fee, they pay $3 per week rental charge and keep everything they collect over this amount. They are required to provide data six days per week to the GMC headquarters on the number of liters filtered and sold. This information is essential for GMC to determine when to replace filters to maintain quality. A small staff work at GMC headquarters in Arusha.

• Developing countries
• Strategic planning
• International business
• Business law