To positively impact the lives and livelihood of millions of people with a ripple effect on their families, this was the key message at the launch of Nigeria’s Plastic Solution Activity, an initiative that is jointly funded by USAID and Coca Cola Foundation. More specifically, the initiative is focused on creating Decent Work, Economic Growth and establishing Sustainable Cities and communities, with a laser-focus on Anambra and Lagos as the project flagship states.
One well-known issue constantly faced by nations labeled as developing countries like Nigeria is pollution, this problem of plastic pollution has affected Nigeria for over two decades now, and as of 2018, an estimated 148,000 tons of beverage PET waste were generated in Nigeria (KPMG 2019), of which only 10% is recycled. The remaining tons of plastic waste pollute the environment, clog drainage systems, persist in landfills, or are incinerated, emitting toxins and greenhouse gases.
Fortunately, development partners like USAID and Coca Cola Foundation recognize the problem and are taking decisive steps to address it. The newly launched project will create 10,000 jobs and generate $4.8 million in income from plastic waste recycling. Beneficiaries will receive training on efficient collection methods, hygiene skills and will also receive personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety, while creating opportunities to increase their disposable income.
Knowing that the execution of a project of this magnitude is not a fairly linear task, Technoserve as lead implementer, draws on its extensive experience in fostering sustainable business models has teamed up with Growing Businesses Foundation, to leverage its understanding of the recycling terrain, its vast network of operational staff and business strategy to implement this initiative. Together, they aim to address critical environmental challenges backed by data-secured platform that provides traceability and transparency in waste collection, empowering waste collectors to convert 49,000 Metric Tonnes of PET plastic into a source of revenue within 24 months.
Against the backdrop of the Empowering Collectors Initiative, where GBF mobilized and achieved support for scalable solutions to address the biggest recycling challenges in 6 states in Nigeria, including empowering 3,015 collectors with PPE materials and collecting over 25,000 MT of PET plastics. This success led to increasing interest , discussions and the eventual launch of Nigeria’s Plastic Solutions Activity.
Clement Ononugbo, the Head of Programs at GBF, made it known that “Our new partnership goes one step further in accelerating our progress towards a circular economy, deepening plastic waste collection and recycling programs like NSPA in Nigeria will help to achieve our goals and is a blueprint for impact on both people and the planet”.
We are thrilled to partner with GBF to drive meaningful change in recycling and waste management,” said Adesuwa Akinboro at TechnoServe. “Together, we will harness the power of entrepreneurship to build a more sustainable future for communities in Nigeria.”
About GBF:
For the past 25 years , Growing Businesses Foundation programmes have delivered economic impact at the base of the pyramid and inspired policy for national and global action. Our programmatic activity directly benefits over one million people especially women and youths, and form the basis for advocacy with partners and governments. The focus of all of our programmes; SHAKTI, ECI, Guinness Women Empowerment and others is to ensure democratizing prosperity for all.
About TechnoServe:
TechnoServe, an international development non-profit based in Washington, DC, is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help beneficiaries lift themselves out of poverty. Operating in 29 countries, we remain committed to working with enterprising businesses and individuals in the developing world and emerging markets to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. By linking people to information, capital, and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.
