USAID-Funded Mombasa Plastics Prize Launch
By Tobby Otum
Director of International Development, Challenge Works Constance Agyeman said they are seeking out new innovative ideas and solutions to tackle marine plastic pollution.
She insisted the solutions specifically target the Kenyan coastline of the Indian Ocean.
“This prize builds on the work of the Afri-Plastics Challenge which aims to reduce marine plastics in Sub-Saharan African countries by developing and scaling innovative solutions to the management of plastics,” she pointed out.
Constance said they are a global leader in the design and delivery of high-impact prizes, together with USAID and Global Affairs Canada.
She was speaking during the launch of the Mombasa Plastics Prize held at Swahilipot Hub Centre in Mvita constituency, Mombasa county.
She said they are seeking new innovative ideas and solutions to tackle marine plastic pollution, specifically on the Kenyan coastline in Mombasa County.
Constance, who was accompanied by Founder, Swahilipot Hub Foundation Mahmoud Noor, disclosed the prize builds on the work of the Afri-Plastics Challenge, which aims to reduce marine plastics in Sub-Saharan African countries by developing and scaling innovative solutions to the management of plastics.
She added with high rates of plastic pollution, the Kenyan coast is a place where innovation across the plastic waste value chain can be particularly impactful.
“Currently there is insufficient infrastructure for the disposal and collection of plastic waste, with only 5 percent of the city’s plastic waste being recycled,” she pointed out.
The Director of International Development, Challenge Works said Mombasa Plastics Prize is inviting young adults (ages 18-25) across Mombasa County to help tackle plastic waste, working with other aspiring future leaders and entrepreneurs, to develop, test and deploy their ideas.
Constance disclosed the prize runs between September 2022 and May 2023 and 60 individual competitors will be selected as finalists, where they will be grouped into 15 teams to develop their innovative solutions.
She pointed out three finalist teams will be awarded prizes worth over Kshs 7 million, with the winning team taking home Kshs 3.5 million.
“Plastic pollution in Africa is one of the biggest ecological challenges that the world is facing,” she added.
The global leader pointed out this is particularly true in Mombasa, where there is approximately 120 tonnes of plastic waste every day, a significant proportion of which is leaking into marine environments.
Constance argued this is the reason they are supporting bright minds to come forward with new ideas to tackle this issue.
She pointed out they are eager for all eligible young people, especially young women and those based in informal settlements, to come forward.
On his part, Noor, said plastic pollution is a problem that they must address without delay.
He insisted the environment is exposed to great danger if drastic measures are not taken. Swahilipot Hub has been supporting and inspiring the community to explore and develop their innovative ideas.
“That is why we see it as an amazing opportunity to be a partner to the Mombasa Plastics Prize and offer our support in helping our younger community members by tapping into their talents,” he pointed out.
The Swahilipot Hub Foundation founder said this will enable grassroots innovation to thrive, especially within Mombasa’s informal settlements.
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