In the face of mounting waste and environmental challenges, African women entrepreneurs are stepping up with bold, sustainable solutions that not only clean up communities but also generate economic opportunities.
From transforming plastic into durable building materials and eco-friendly fencing posts to converting organic waste into compost and fuel, these innovators are proving that waste is not an obstacle—it’s a resource.
By merging environmental stewardship with social impact, they are creating jobs, reducing deforestation, improving public health, and advancing Africa’s circular economy. Meet five trailblazing women redefining waste management and recycling across the continent.
1. Nzambi Matee (Kenya)
Founder of Gjenge Makers, Nzambi transforms plastic waste into durable building bricks—some even stronger than concrete. Her innovative enterprise has already recycled tonnes of plastic and earned her the Young Champion of the Earth 2020 (Africa) award .
2. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola (Nigeria)
Co-founder of WeCyclers, she uses low-cost cargo bicycles to collect household recyclables across Lagos. Participants earn points redeemable for essentials—bridging environmental sustainability with economic inclusion .
3. Lorna Rutto (Kenya)
Through her social enterprise Ecopost, Lorna converts plastic waste into eco-friendly, commercially viable fencing posts—reducing deforestation while creating jobs in marginalized communities .
4. Chebet Lesan (Kenya)
Founder of BrightGreen, she produces low-smoke charcoal briquettes from sawdust and other biomass waste. Her solution both saves trees and improves household health, earning her accolades like the Queen’s Young Leader Award and winner of Africa’s Business Heroes 2022 .
5. Bernadette Dzifa Agbefu (Ghana)
Operator of the JVL-YKMA Recycling Plant, she transforms organic and human waste into compost and fuel briquettes—processing up to 1,800 tonnes of waste annually, and boosting circular recovery in Ghana.
