The BeGreen Africa Entrepreneur Workshop, held in Nairobi, Kenya, was organized to empower young entrepreneurs in the waste management sector by helping them develop comprehensive business plans and innovative solutions for their ventures. This initiative was supported by the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy (SDYACE), UNICEF, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and UBA Kenya.
BeGreen Africa is a pilot program co-created by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU), IKEA Foundation, and young green entrepreneurs. The primary goal of this program is to foster a sustainable, youth-led green entrepreneurship initiative in the waste sector in Kenya, and in the green sectors of Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa. The program aims to improve the social and economic prosperity of marginalized youth while addressing environmental challenges by reducing inequalities and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The waste management sector offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to effect environmental and social change, especially with the rising urbanization and industrial activities that necessitate effective waste management for sustainable development. The BeGreen workshop equipped participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to craft innovative and sustainable business ideas and develop comprehensive business plans.
Kenya was chosen as the pilot country due to its vibrant entrepreneurial environment and the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions. With a growing youth population, Kenya presents a unique opportunity to harness young people’s potential to drive the green revolution. The program aims to mentor and train 1,000 entrepreneurs across Kenya, with 120 of them qualifying for USD 5,000 seed funding to launch their green business ventures.
Ms. Mary Mulili, CEO/MD of UBA Kenya, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Tony Elumelu Foundation CEO, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, stating, “At the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Kenya, we believe that empowering young entrepreneurs is key to driving sustainable development and economic growth. The BeGreen Africa initiative is a commitment to fostering innovative solutions in the waste management sector. We are proud to support these young entrepreneurs who are dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Kenya and Africa at large.”
Sandra Simbiri, UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU) Programme Specialist, added, “UNICEF is proud to be a partner of the BeGreen Africa Programme that empowers young entrepreneurs. This program is not only about creating jobs but also about instilling a sense of responsibility towards our planet. By supporting these young entrepreneurs, we are investing in the future of Kenya and contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation.”
The BeGreen Africa initiative highlights the importance of youth empowerment in addressing global climate issues. By providing young entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of driving sustainable change. It underscores the necessity of supporting young people to grow the economy while protecting natural resources, positioning them at the forefront of the Green Industrial Revolution.
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Catherine Awuor
Head, Marketing & Corporate Communication
UBA Kenya
