Africa’s circular economy is gaining momentum, powered by entrepreneurs transforming waste into valuable resources and creating sustainable business models.
These founders tackle environmental challenges while generating economic opportunities, demonstrating innovation and impact across multiple sectors.
— Nzambi Matee (Kenya): Founder of Gjenge Makers, Matee recycles plastic waste into durable building bricks stronger than concrete. Her solution addresses plastic pollution while providing affordable construction materials for communities.
— Lorna Rutto (Kenya): Founder of EcoPost, Rutto turns plastic waste into fencing posts and construction products. Her enterprise has recycled millions of kilograms of plastic, created sustainable jobs, and promoted environmental conservation.
— Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola (Nigeria): Co-founder of Wecyclers, Adebiyi-Abiola organizes urban recycling in Lagos, using low-cost cargo bicycles to collect household waste. Her model incentivizes recycling and ensures organized material reuse.
— Adebayo Adeyemi (Nigeria): Founder of RecyclePoints, Adeyemi’s platform converts diverse waste streams, including plastics, metals, and e-waste, into usable products while providing financial incentives to communities, promoting circular flows across multiple sectors.
— Bright Simons (Ghana): Founder of mPedigree and a pioneer in pharmaceutical and e-waste tracking, Simons implements systems that extend product life cycles, reduce waste, and enable reuse, applying circular economy principles to complex supply chains.
These entrepreneurs illustrate how innovation and leadership can transform waste into value, enabling sustainable development and systemic resource reuse across Africa.
This list focuses on founders actively creating multi-sector circular economy solutions.
Selection was based on measurable environmental impact, scalability, innovation, and leadership in promoting resource reuse. Data was verified from company announcements, credible industry reports, and media sources as of September 2025.
Image Credit: Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
