“Hamlet pilots ‘Madini’ in partnership with UNDP- ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, an online-offline digital Platform with smart user interface to enhance access to mineral markets, market information, and appropriate technologies in the Development Minerals sector in Uganda” Read More. Hamlet Group, in partnership with the UNDP- ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, has launched Madini, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to enhance access to mineral markets, market information, and appropriate technologies within the Development Minerals sector in Uganda. Combining an intuitive online interface with offline accessibility, Madini is set to address longstanding challenges in the sector, particularly for artisanal miners and the construction industry. The Construction Industry and Development Minerals The construction industry, one of the largest consumers of Development Minerals, faces three key challenges in procuring these materials: quality, quantity, and cost. Development minerals—such as clay, bricks, sand, stone aggregate, and rough, uncut dimension stones—are vital for construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Despite their importance, the supply chain is plagued by inefficiencies. Miners often sell materials at low prices, but middlemen inflate costs, leaving miners with low revenues and consumers burdened by high prices. Furthermore, the lack of standardization compromises quality and creates inefficiencies in the procurement process. Introducing Madini Madini is a digital mineral marketplace that directly connects artisanal miners with consumers, such as construction sites, streamlining the supply chain and ensuring quality, quantity, and affordability. The platform focuses on four key Development Minerals: • Clay • Bricks • Sand • Stone aggregates and rough, uncut dimension stones By linking construction sites to the nearest sources of these materials, Madini eliminates middlemen, reduces transport costs, and ensures that consumers access standardized, high-quality products at fair prices. How Madini Works The platform operates with an innovative "Uber-like" model: • A construction site in a specific location, such as Seeta in Mukono district, is matched with the nearest source of Development Minerals. • On the backend, Hamlet collaborates with artisanal and small-scale miners to ensure standardized quality and quantity, while maintaining competitive pricing. This model not only lowers costs for construction projects but also strengthens local economies by keeping transactions within the community. Artisanal miners benefit from direct access to markets, resulting in higher revenues. To maximize accessibility, Madini offers: • Online access: A smartphone-compatible interface with a smart user experience. • Offline access: A USSD code-based system for placing orders without internet connectivity. Hamlet’s Vision Founded with a mission to design spaces that empower people to create and innovate, Hamlet initially operated as a design-and-build company, integrating design and construction into a seamless service. Drawing on extensive industry knowledge, Hamlet has now expanded its impact through Madini, which aims to bring together stakeholders in the construction industry under a unified digital ecosystem. Impact and Recognition Supported by a grant from UNDP under the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, Madini has already impacted over 1,000 artisanal and small-scale miners by providing them with training, market access, and practical support. The platform is a game-changer for Uganda’s Development Minerals sector, fostering sustainable practices and economic growth. By leveraging digital tools, Madini ensures that the benefits of technology reach even the most remote communities, driving down costs for consumers and increasing profits for miners. Looking Ahead Hamlet Group remains committed to enhancing the built environment in developing countries through innovative solutions. With Madini, the company is not only addressing challenges in the Development Minerals sector but also creating ripple effects that strengthen communities, boost local economies, and improve access to critical resources.

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