Waste to Use Challenge Winners Announced

The Waste to Use Challenge, part of the Circular Economy Network project, has concluded with remarkable success, celebrating the pioneering efforts of green businesses in The Gambia. This challenge, designed to foster innovative circular waste solutions and create sustainable livelihoods, has awarded funding to three outstanding finalists.

The Circular Economy Network, known locally as Dennakuwo, and funded by the UK’s Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), aims to fast-track circular economy initiatives by supporting innovative green businesses with training and investment. Through the creation of a network of innovators, businesses, designers, environmental champions, corporates, and institutions, the network drives resource efficiency, and waste reduction measures by helping sustainable businesses to scale, helping to tackle the environmental impact of waste and create economic opportunities that support The Gambia’s green recovery.

Although there are innovation challenges around the world, the Waste to Use challenge is unique, none intervene at this level and in the countries WasteAid is present. With little access to traditional investment routes, this innovation challenge offers grassroots entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to access business training and mentoring that would otherwise be out of reach for them.

“The ‘Waste to Use Challenge is an important and exciting element of WasteAid’s CIWM-funded Project Dennakuwo. In many ways it is an embodiment of why we’ve been so passionate about supporting this project since 2022. The challenge helps Gambian entrepreneurs develop Gambian solutions to Gambian problems, pioneering ways to recover, reuse and divert waste from dump sites. It is a fantastic example of how nurturing innovation can lead to sustainable businesses that protect the world’s environment and resources for future generations – a truly circular economy. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. All of us at CIWM are incredibly proud of our partnership with WasteAid, and the work of the ever-growing Gambian Circular Economy Network to whom a big-thank you is due for their engagement with, and contributions to, the challenge.”

Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM

Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability

The Waste to Use Challenge finale took place at the Sunset Beach Hotel, where six innovative entrepreneurs presented their impactful solutions to tackle waste management challenges in The Gambia.

The event celebrated the participants’ entrepreneurial spirit and their dedication to mitigating climate change challenges while reducing waste. Judges, mentors, and stakeholders applauded the creative ideas and scalable solutions that promote resource recovery and sustainable practices.

The Winners

Three winners emerged from the finale, each will be awarded £4,000 in seed funding to scale their initiatives.

“As young entrepreneurs running a startup business, participating in the challenge has really boost our confidence and passion for waste recycling. The prize funds will now enable us implement our plans to manage and process organic waste into organic fertiliser for the wellbeing of our communities.”

Alfusainey Sey, Co-founder of NAACO

NAACO Enterprise

With over five years of experience, NAACO, co-founded by Alfusainey Sey and Fabakary Jammeh, transforms organic waste into high-quality compost for marginalised women farmers, providing them with affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers. They also train women in sustainable farming practices, creating jobs and improving agricultural productivity.

Sidrah Salam

Sidrah Salam, a consultancy firm, established four years ago, specialises in producing locally made machinery to enhance agricultural productivity. Founded by Musa Sillah, their innovation includes converting groundnut shell residue into nitrogen-rich powder, a key ingredient in compost production. The funding will help expand their operations and support local farmers in improving crop yields.

Yaw’s Creations

Yaw’s Creations, led by Awa Conateh, was recognised for their commitment to sustainable fashion. With nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, the business has pivoted to repurposing fabric waste and second-hand clothing into patchwork designs, rugs, and other products. The funding will enable them to scale up their sustainable production methods and promote textile recycling.

Recognition for Semi-Finalists

The remaining three semi-finalists, who all presented impressive pitches, will be given the opportunity to bid for small grants that will develop specific areas of their businesses.

Precious Plastics: Established in 2023, this social enterprise recycles plastic bottle caps and HDPE materials into home and office décor such as benches and keychains.

Señorita: Led by a young female entrepreneur, Señorita transforms used tires into fashionable home and office décor, combining environmental conservation with artistic innovation.

CASA Gambia: An NGO that proposed a six-month project to collect plastic waste from schools and neighbourhoods while raising environmental awareness among schoolchildren.

A Step Towards a Greener Future

The Waste to Use Challenge highlights the power of innovation in addressing critical waste issues. By nurturing these businesses and supporting the circular economy, WasteAid and CIWM are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in The Gambia and beyond.

It is through the funding, encouragement and support of CIWM, and its members, that we were able to provide all finalists with mentoring and business training, through WasteAid’s Circular Economy Network, equipping them with the tools to create sustainable, impactful solutions.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists and express our gratitude to the Circular Economy Network members, mentors, and supporters who made this initiative a success.