RecycleUp Innovation programme that seeks to empower and nurture young innovators and entrepreneurs who are environmentally conscious, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and support required to address Nigeria’s waste problem and catalyze the transition towards a circular economy.
This initiative adopts a multi-faceted approach to address pressing environmental challenges, while simultaneously creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more prosperous, and environmentally responsible nation.
RecycleUP aims to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy by driving large-scale adoption of sustainable waste management practices and circular innovations. The initiative focuses on key sectors, including Built Environment, Organic Material and Biowaste, Energy, Electronics and ICT, Packaging and Plastics, Textiles, Water, and Food and Agriculture.
Objectives:
- Foster Circular Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Equip 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to develop and scale innovative circular economy solutions.
- Promote Nationwide Circular Practices: Advocate for and facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices across all 36 states of Nigeria, engaging millions of individuals, households, and businesses.
- Empower Green Enterprises: Support the creation and growth of sustainable policies and circular businesses that generate economic value, create jobs, and contribute to a cleaner, greener Nigeria.
- Building a Collaborative Ecosystem: Establish a network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, policymakers, and mentors to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and policy alignment for a thriving circular economy.
RecycleUp Innovation programme is designed to support a diverse range of stakeholders committed to advancing the circular economy and sustainable waste management which include Students, Researchers, Innovators and Entrepreneur, households, organizations and among others.
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NB: Selected applicants will be onboard and enrolled in the programme by February 2026.
Eligibility Criteria: To participate in this programme, please note the following criteria before proceeding with your application:
- Applicants must be a Nigerian between the age of 21 and 40.
- Applicants must have a genuine interest and passion for circular economy and a desire to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development in Nigeria
- Applicant should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their respective communities.
- You must be ready to commit at least 5 hours weekly and available to actively participate in the programme.
- Applicants must have access to a reliable internet connection, data, and necessary technology devices to fully participate in virtual activities and meetings.
Benefits:
- Professional Development: To bridge knowledge gap, participants will receive advanced training and participate in projects to enhance their technical skills, project management capabilities, and understanding of circular economy and sustainable waste management.
- Certification: At the end of the programme, successful participants will be issued a certificate of excellence. This also helps to improve and build up their resume.
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Fellows will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and fellow participants through conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- Access to Training Materials: E-learning materials and useful resources will be made available to participants for reference purposes.
- Award and Recognition: Best performing participant will be awarded upon meeting the required criteria.
- Business Ideation: Through the series of training received and project executed, participants get to ideate on business opportunities which could be turned to their professional career.
- Visibility and Recognition: Fellows’ innovative solutions and project outcomes will be showcased through various platforms, increasing their visibility and recognition within the circular economy and sustainable waste management community.
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