The project aims to achieve SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) but also significantly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic growth) by providing an alternative economic activity and source of income for youth in the waste sector. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is crucial because the project training programs emphasise women’s empowerment and youth. SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) are also addressed by decreasing the emission caused by Plastic, thus reducing the carbon footprint.

As a School of Wildlife Conservation Scholar at the African Leadership University, through the MAVA Foundation, I have been able to get expert mentorship on how Ecovironment can moonshot to the next level. Our highlights so far have been; the connection to drive more shared valued and sustainable impact in the local context and how to improve our product—the new product design approach from David Onderi, a subject matter expert. Our Mentor Mike Musgrave has been very instrumental in developing our business plan and new strategies to approach institutions owned by government bodies and NGOs. Overall, I can gladly say that my scholarship has provided our team with the required knowledge and expertise to take our solution to a new level- the kind of knowledge that would have taken us ten years of challenges to attain.

Ecovironment has turned a massive global problem into an opportunity by recycling plastic waste while providing young people with access to productive employment, which is crucial to ensure economic recovery and stability in a country that is yet to recover from post-war levels.