OceanHub Africa and The Coca-Cola Foundation have launched a Pan-African Call for Bold Ideas in Plastic Circularity. This programme seeks science-driven solutions that can transform how plastic waste is reduced, recycled, reused, or repurposed across African coastal and urban environments. With up to $120,000 in catalytic funding and hands-on venture building support, this is a prime opportunity for innovators ready to turn research or early concepts into market-ready impact ventures.
Plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental challenge across Africa, affecting oceans, cities, wildlife, and communities. Corporate partners like The Coca-Cola Foundation are investing in circular systems and innovation to support sustainable waste solutions. This call combines OceanHub Africa’s venture-building expertise with Coca-Cola’s sustainability resources to help African innovators test and commercialise circularity solutions.
What You Gain (Benefits)
Funding & Financial Support
Funding is structured in three phases:
- CAPEX Support: Up to $20,000 USD for essential capital and infrastructure.
- Operations & Pilot Support: Up to $20,000 USD for operational costs and testing in real environments.
- Commercialisation Funding: Up to $80,000 USD (repayable grant) for scaling a validated solution to market.
Venture Building Support
Through the program, innovators receive:
- Technical mentorship on business model development, financial planning, and operational strategy.
- Testing, validation & pilot opportunities in relevant African contexts.
- Networking access to corporate partners, investors, and impact-oriented ecosystems.
- One-on-one coaching from industry and sustainability experts.
This support helps early-stage innovations move from concept to commercial application, increasing their sustainability and potential for impact.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
The programme is open to innovators across Africa with science-based ideas addressing plastic waste challenges. Eligibility includes:
- Individuals or teams with bold, science-driven ideas related to plastic circularity.
- Projects that address plastic waste reduction, recycling, reuse, or circular economy models in African coastal or urban settings.
- Applicants must be able to submit a video pitch (max. 5 minutes) alongside other application materials.
This call welcomes both researchers and early-stage ventures aiming to refine, pilot, or scale impactful solutions.
Program Timeline & Structure
- Call Opens: 17 December 2025
- Applications Close: 15 February 2026 (23:59 SAST)
- Evaluation: February 2026
- Venture Building Phase: March–December 2026 (hybrid format)
- Acceleration Evaluation: April 2026
During the program, selected teams participate in a hybrid venture building journey combining mentorship, business support, and real-world testing.
Why This Opportunity Matters
- Drives Circular Innovation: Encourages solutions that disrupt linear plastic use and reduce pollution in African ecosystems.
- Boosts Local Impact: Supports emerging ventures that can create jobs and enhance environmental stewardship.
- Builds Entrepreneurial Capacity: Offers structured support from R&D to commercial launch.
- Strengthens Networks: Links innovators with corporate and investment ecosystems that can sustain long-term growth.
Initiatives like this help address systemic gaps in recycling and sustainable materials management, areas where scalable innovation can have measurable environmental and economic benefits.
How to Apply
Apply through the official application platform provided by OceanHub Africa and The Coca-Cola Foundation. Make sure you prepare:
- A concise description of your innovation
- A 5-minute video pitch summarising your solution’s value and impact potential
- Any supporting documents that strengthen your application
