Africa’s waste problem is inspiring innovation. These entrepreneurs are turning natural materials and waste into biodegradable products that are practical, eco-friendly, and affordable. They’re making it easier for people and businesses to choose sustainable options without compromising quality.
Here are the top 5 African entrepreneurs leading this biodegradable revolution:
— Joseph Nguthiru (Kenya): Founder of HyaPak, Nguthiru transforms invasive water hyacinth into fully biodegradable materials, offering a plastic-alternative solution for packaging and other single-use products.
— Mark Musinguzi (Uganda): Co‑founder of Hya Bioplastics, Musinguzi converts agricultural by-products (like banana stems and plant fibers) into 100% home-compostable food packaging, upcycling what would otherwise go to waste.
— Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried (Ghana): Co‑founder of Kodu Technology, Faried creates biodegradable, plant-based sanitary pads made from banana and plantain stems, helping the environment while improving menstrual hygiene access.
— Nzambi Matee (Kenya): Founder of Gjenge Makers, Matee recycles plastic waste into durable building bricks, reducing plastic pollution while creating a sustainable reuse path for waste plastics.
— Clifford Okoth Owino (Kenya): Founder & CEO of Chemolex, Owino developed Biopactic, a 100% biodegradable bioplastic made from water hyacinth, used in food packaging and other daily-use products.
These entrepreneurs show that sustainability can be practical and profitable, turning local resources and waste into biodegradable solutions that improve lives and protect the environment.
This list was selected based on African entrepreneurs leading businesses that produce genuinely biodegradable products. Criteria included innovation, environmental impact, business scalability, and verifiable activity as of 2025.
Image Credit: TÜV SÜD
