Addressing plastic pollution through innovative business ideas.

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Plastic pollution is a significant concern along the Kenyan coast, where innovative approaches can make a real difference. Mombasa alone generates around 120 tons of plastic waste daily, with a mere 5% being recycled, while a substantial amount ends up in the ocean. To address this pressing issue, a program was launched to engage young adults (ages 18–25) from Mombasa County in creating solutions. Funded by USAID and the Government of Canada, the initiative was managed by Challenge Works in partnership with various organizations embedded in Mombasa County's innovation ecosystem.

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The program was delivered in four distinct phases, combining outreach, mentorship, and hands-on development to help participants turn their ideas into actionable solutions.

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Phase one:

During the Submissions and Outreach phase (September 20–November 8, 2022), the program conducted an extensive awareness campaign across Mombasa. Outreach efforts included online promotions, radio features, and in-person information sessions held in informal settlements in collaboration with local youth groups.

Phase two:

Submissions were then evaluated during the Assessment and Judging phase, where assessors and an expert panel selected the finalists based on their creativity, innovative solutions, commitment to addressing plastic waste, and alignment with program goals.

Phase three:

In January 2023, the Finalist Activities phase began, with the 57 finalists organized into 14 teams. They participated in a series of activities, starting with a hackathon in Mombasa, which included training on idea generation, business planning, and prototype development. This was followed by a second hackathon in Nairobi, where teams presented their ideas at the Afri-Plastics Challenge Summit. Between these events, participants received expert coaching and mentorship from Kenyan organizations specializing in plastic waste management, along with support from the Mombasa County Government. All teams received seed funding to test and refine their ideas.

Phase four:

The program concluded in May 2023 with the Awards and Prizes phase. The top three teams were awarded a total of $60,000 in cash prizes, with the winning team receiving $30,000 for their innovative idea to create eco-desks for schools using plastic waste from informal settlements. Additionally, six to nine teams advanced to the Mombasa Plastics Incubator Program, which began in July 2023, where they are offered the opportunity to formalize their ideas into sustainable businesses.

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Discover more about the Mombasa Plastics Prize over here: Mombasa Plastics Prize !

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Interested in the participant's experiences? Navigate through our project pages and listen to their stories!

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