GreenHubAfrica Foundation has unveiled its ambitious Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) Youth Network, a digital-first initiative designed to train and empower 50,000 young people in climate-smart innovation and circular economy enterprises.
The official launch took place at a hybrid event hosted at the United Nations House in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Environment Day Exhibition (WEDex). The event highlighted the foundation’s vision of equipping youth with the skills and opportunities to drive environmental sustainability across Africa.
Founder and CEO of GreenHubAfrica, Henry Bassey, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in building a greener continent, noting that the waste management value chain presents significant employment and empowerment opportunities. He also celebrated top performers from the 2024 Climate Action SuperHeroes school outreach, citing their commitment to applying lessons from the CASH programme.
Bassey reflected on WEDex’s evolution from a virtual gathering during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 to a high-level, multistakeholder movement focused on climate action. “What began as a webinar series has grown into a national platform merging dialogue with consequence,” he said. “WEDex 2025 is not just an event—it’s a bold movement of accountability and action.”
Now in its fifth year, WEDex has become a forum for thought leadership and solution-focused discussions, with past sessions producing documented climate action blueprints. Bassey also acknowledged longstanding support from key partners including the United Nations in Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, IHS Towers, and others.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall reiterated the UN’s support for Nigeria’s fight against plastic pollution, pointing out that plastics make up 13 percent of the country’s total waste. Fall highlighted how the sector can drive mass employment, attract private investment, and mitigate environmental damage.
Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, President of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), noted the crucial gap between waste separation, collection, and disposal. He said collaborative efforts like those with GreenHubAfrica and the UN Information Centre were vital in bridging this divide and advancing plastic pollution solutions.
Dr. Henry Inegbu of Family Homes Funds Limited showcased innovative, tech-driven approaches in housing, including converting plastic waste into building materials like bricks and roofing sheets. This, he explained, could revolutionize affordable housing while tackling plastic pollution.
Also speaking at the event, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, stressed the urgency of multi-sector collaboration. “Without united action, the 2030 goal of reducing plastic pollution to safe levels for biodiversity and ecosystem health will remain out of reach,” she said.
Various stakeholders at the event echoed the call for immediate and collective action. They stressed that waste management in Nigeria has reached crisis levels, and that beyond environmental urgency, it also presents vast economic opportunities if well harnessed.
With the CASH network and WEDex movement gaining momentum, GreenHubAfrica is cementing its place as a leading force in youth-led climate innovation and national environmental advocacy.
