UNDP Trains 20 Nigerian Innovators to Scale Plastic Pollution Solutions
UNDP launched a three-day training for 20 Nigerian innovators under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme to help them scale solutions to plastic pollution.
The story in focus
The UNDP launched a three-day training in Abuja for 20 Nigerian innovators selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme. The training aims to help them turn ideas for reducing plastic pollution into scalable businesses, with follow-up technical advisory clinics planned.
- The training is the first in a series under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund.
- Participants will receive continued support through technical advisory clinics after the training.
- The programme runs from 2024 to 2027 across China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, and Viet Nam.
Training focus and support
The United Nations Development Programme launched a three-day training in Abuja for 20 Nigerian innovators selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme. The training combines expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, peer learning and networking.
It focuses on barriers early-stage ventures face, including access to finance, finding partners, reaching markets and growth. Practical sessions cover business planning, preparing for investors, managing finances, reaching new markets, building partnerships, and measuring and communicating impact. Participants will later receive continued support through technical advisory clinics to help them plan how to scale.
Programme scope and funding
The Global Plastics Innovation Programme is funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund and runs from 2024 to 2027 across China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, and Viet Nam. It supports innovators, startups, and policymakers to develop and scale solutions that reduce plastic pollution across the plastics value chain.
The training is part of UNDP's wider work across Africa to support locally led solutions that reduce plastic pollution, create green jobs and help countries shift to a circular economy. Nigeria's innovators are developing solutions ranging from reuse systems and alternative materials to waste collection, recycling technologies and digital tools, according to UNDP.
Voices from the launch
Muyiwa Odele, Head of the Environment Unit at UNDP in Nigeria, said the training helps innovators move from promising ideas to enterprises that create jobs, protect the environment and strengthen the economy. Vivian Maduekwe, Project Lead at eCycle, said the programme gives participants tools to strengthen their businesses and attract partners. Ibukun Odusote, Executive Director of Digital Peers International, noted creativity among young Nigerians working on plastic pollution and said the programme offers a platform to refine solutions and expand networks.
Who is eligible for the UNDP plastic innovation training in Nigeria?
The training targets 20 Nigerian innovators selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme who are developing solutions to plastic pollution, according to UNDP.
Sources & further reading
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