Ibadan, in Nigeria, generates 5,000 tonnes of waste daily, of which only 40% is collected, leaving the rest to pollute the environment and clog drains. This may be increasing the state’s predisposition to flooding, leading to the loss of property, infrastructure, and lives. Concurrently, the unemployment rate across major cities in the country have continued to rise, fuelling social unrest.
Planet 3R is tackling this two-fold challenge by transforming waste into products like bags, footwear, mats, and clothing. This not only helps to reduce pollution but supports the economic empowerment of women and young people, by training them in recycling, weaving, and product development. The initiative has already empowered 1,000 people and created 300 job opportunities both directly in its four recycling hubs, and indirectly.
With TRANSFORM’s support, Planet 3R will scale its operations, helping a further 1,050 women and young people to gain vital skills and access to tools for recycling and product development. TRANSFORM has also helped the enterprise to forge partnerships with different stakeholders, including the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), to ensure the continuity of the project.