Delivered in partnership with the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), the hub marks a significant step in scaling practical, community-driven sustainability solutions across the country.

The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative converts waste management into opportunity, helping divert recyclables from landfills, improve environmental awareness, and create income pathways for households.

The Masaka hub deepens that impact while reflecting the Sahara Beyond XXX vision of building sustainable ecosystems that deliver long-term value for people, communities, and the planet.Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said the launch underscores the Foundation’s focus on scalable solutions that combine environmental stewardship with community empowerment.

“Masaka represents an important next step in expanding access to sustainable waste management across Nigeria,” she said.“Through the Sahara Go Recycling, we are showing how collaboration can unlock cleaner communities, stronger livelihoods, and shared prosperity. This is the kind of practical, inclusive impact that Sahara Beyond XXX stands for, creating sustainable value at scale through EXTRApreneurship.”

The landmark commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, leadership from the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), local council representatives, community leaders, partners, volunteers, and residents, highlighting strong stakeholder collaboration and community support for the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ishaku Ibrahim, Director of Waste Management, Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), described the initiative as a timely partnership that strengthens responsible waste management while opening socio-economic opportunities for residents.“

This hub brings a practical solution to waste challenges in Masaka and surrounding communities,” he said.

“Beyond improving environmental outcomes, it creates a pathway for residents to participate in a cleaner future while deriving economic value from recyclable materials. We are proud to partner Sahara Group Foundation on this important step for Nasarawa State.”

Menakaya added that Sahara Go Recycling continues to demonstrate how collective action can build cleaner, more resilient communities through innovation, collaboration, and local participation.

Since launch, Sahara Go Recycling has delivered measurable social, economic, and environmental impact.

The initiative has supported the recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of materials and directly and indirectly impacted over 2,000 livelihoods across collection, sorting, logistics, and community enterprise value chains.

By turning waste into opportunity, the programme is helping reshape attitudes to recycling while advancing more sustainable lifestyles in underserved communities.

Sahara Group Foundation expand Sahara Go Recycling across Nigeria, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission of building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.

More details about Sahara Go Recycling Initiative and other Sahara Group Foundation programmes can be found here.

The MoU is aimed at deepening inclusive, community-led recycling interventions through its flagship Sahara Go Recycling Project.

The partnership brings together Sahara Group Foundation’s waste-to-wealth expertise and Plan International’s global leadership in child rights, gender equality, and community development, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and social inclusion, especially for vulnerable children, young people, and women.

Speaking at the official MoU signing ceremony, Chidilim Menakaya, director, Sahara Group Foundation, described the collaboration as a powerful intersection of climate action and human development.

“Sahara Go Recycling was conceived in 2021 as more than an environmental initiative; it is a deliberate platform for inclusion, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods. Designed to unlock economic opportunity at the grassroots, the initiative transforms waste into value while creating pathways for income generation and enterprise. Our partnership with Plan International strengthens this vision by placing empowerment and resilience at the core of our approach, ensuring that environmental responsibility translates into lasting economic value, social inclusion, and shared prosperity for households and communities”.

Also speaking, Dr. Charles Usie, country director of Plan International Nigeria, expressed excitement about the collaboration:

“This partnership speaks directly to the kind of future we want to build for girls and their communities. When environmental action is intentionally designed to create livelihood, dignity, and economic empowerment, girls are better positioned to learn, build skills, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. We are excited to work with Sahara Group Foundation to ensure that initiatives like Sahara Go Recycling translate climate responsibility into real action, creating opportunities that enable girls to build skills, and a more secure future”

Sheila Ojei, director of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization at Plan International Nigeria, added:

“Our shared vision is to ensure that young people, particularly girls, can thrive in safe, healthy, and supportive environments. This partnership places strong emphasis on gender inclusion, with at least 60 percent of participants expected to be adolescent girls, while embedding safeguarding and accountability into how economic and environmental opportunities are delivered”

Bethel Obioma, head of Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, noted that the partnership reflects Sahara Group’s broader sustainability philosophy.

“At Sahara Group, sustainability is about people as much as systems. This partnership reinforces our belief that environmental solutions must deliver social value. By aligning Sahara Go Recycling with Plan International’s development expertise, we are creating a model where climate responsibility directly improves lives and livelihoods.”

Sahara Go Recycling is one of the four flagship projects of Sahara Group Foundation. It is a waste-to-wealth initiative designed to empower communities by turning recyclable waste into economic value, while promoting environmental sustainability and inclusive economic opportunities.

At its core, the project demonstrates how environmental responsibility can serve as a catalyst for social impact, economic empowerment, and long-term sustainability.

The partnership builds on Sahara Group Foundation’s track record of deploying innovative, scalable solutions that link enterprise development, environmental stewardship, and social impact, while leveraging Sahara Group’s culture of excellence, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Both organisations expressed optimism that the project will unlock new pathways for sustainable development by integrating environmental action with social protection, skills development, and inclusive economic participation.

Ultimately, the project will support the promotion of critical Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

For nearly two decades, the Sahara Group Foundation has been a catalyst for sustainable development across Africa, investing in programmes that advance entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, innovation, and community transformation.

The 2025 editions of the SIF and MADAA programmes were re-engineered in response to insights from previous cycles, which revealed a widening gap between early-stage innovation and market entry in Africa. By deliberately aligning MADAA and SIF, the Foundation has built a streamlined innovation pipeline designed to eliminate barriers, strengthen capacity, and ensure sustainability well beyond the life of the grants.

“Our focus goes beyond disbursing grants,” said David Ayinde, program supervisor, Sahara Group Foundation, during the Awards and Gala Night. “We have built a capacity development and business advisory framework that equip our EXTRApreneurs with business intelligence, financial strategy, governance discipline, and commercial readiness to scale their solutions sustainably across African markets.”

“By reinventing the Sahara Impact Fund and elevating the MADAA programme, we are closing the loop between discovery, support, and scale,” said Chidilim Menakaya, director, Sahara Group Foundation. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to identifying high-potential changemakers and innovators, equipping them with the right skills, and creating real pathways for them to grow sustainable solutions. Ultimately, this integrated approach ensures that promising EXTRApreneurs have a clear, structured, and fully supported route to delivering measurable impact across their communities.”

Charging the awardees to embrace resilience, discipline, and innovation in their businesses, Dr Kola Adesina, executive director, Sahara Group said these attributes will help African EXTRApreneurs achieve “transformative impact across the continent with the added incentive of scaling their businesses for global competitiveness.”

Also speaking, Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said, “Sahara started out with the mindset of EXTRApreneurship. Your businesses must have unique value propositions that can continually be reengineered for more impact through innovation.”

The 2025 programme cycle attracted over 2,000 applications from across Africa, demonstrating the depth of innovation on the continent.

A rigorous selection process shortlisted about 300 innovators for an intensive Capacity Building Workshop delivered by Sahara Group experts.

The sessions covered business strategy and sustainability, governance and regulatory compliance, brand positioning and communications, commercial and stakeholder management, and legal, financial, and tax advisory processes.

20 high-potential EXTRApreneurs were eventually selected for the Business Advisory Bootcamp and Sahara M.A.D Den in Lagos, Nigeria, ultimately receiving grants for their businesses.

The recipients of $10,000 include: Chinwendu Augustina Nweke of Bridge Merchant Enterprise (Nigeria); Elvis Kadhama of Essymart Africa Business Link Limited (Uganda); Violet Awo Amoabeng of Skin Gourmet (Ghana); Tracey Shiundu of FunKe Science (Kenya); Salma Medhat of Hiryo (Egypt); Anita Nsiah Donkor of Timoya Farms (Ghana); Dr. Sisay Abebe of KMS ETH Health Trading S.C (Ethiopia); Kedumetse Liphi of Ked-LiphiBw (Botswana); Ernest Mongezi Majenge of The Wheelchair Doctor (South Africa); and Joan Rukundo Nalubega of Uganics Repellents Ltd (Uganda).

$5,000 grants were awarded to Eunice Adewale of Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions (Nigeria); Henry Danwawo Lamba of Schrödinger Technologie Ltd (Nigeria); Johnson Obute of Maximus Recycling Solutions (Nigeria); Abraham Ugbenja Iborchan of PureLube Limited (Ghana); and Brian Okeyo of Nawiri Organics (Kenya). The $1,000 grant recipients include Jide Ayegbusi of EdGo Technology Ltd (Nigeria); David Ssembajjwe of Camelot Agroecology Farm Ltd (Uganda); Mojola Ola of Gridcrux Energy Solutions (Nigeria); Abiodun Quadri of Zerosmoke Ventures (Nigeria); and Fasanya Samuel Akinpelumi of Poshfil Polish Products Ltd (Nigeria).

The new hub, strategically located in Lekki, expands the Foundation’s recycling footprint and builds on the success of 15 existing hubs across Lagos.

Notably, it is the first Sahara Go-Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), a significant step toward integrating clean energy and technology into community recycling solutions.

The Sahara Go-Recycling initiative promotes a circular economy by reducing waste, enhancing resource recovery, and empowering residents with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, director, Sahara Group Foundation, said:

“The launch of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub goes beyond environmental responsibility, it represents a new path for innovation, economic opportunity, and community resilience. By integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life. This hub is a testament to what is possible when we combine commitment with action, and it sets the stage for even greater impact across the communities we serve.”

The event was attended by Executive Director of Sahara Group, Director, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, Sahara Group Foundation Board Trustees, Asharami Synergy Management team, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power Plc, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders and community members.

Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, executive director Sahara Group, remarked,

“The success of the Lekki Sahara Go-Recycling Hub is a powerful reminder that sustainable change happens when communities, technology, and purpose come together. This hub is not just collecting recyclables, it is inspiring new habits, creating economic value, and proving that cleaner, greener cities are possible when we all play our part. We are proud of what this hub represents and even more excited about the impact it will continue to make across Lagos and beyond.”

Dr Anthony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Asharami Synergy, the Sahara Group 2025 Graduate Management Trainees, and Eco Barter, describing the hub as reflective of our belief that sustainability must be practical, accessible, and community driven.

Representing the 2025 Sahara Group Graduate Management Trainees, Elushade Oluwatumininu stated that, " As Graduate Management Trainees, being part of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub project through our PSCR project has been a meaningful way to live out Sahara’s sustainability values. Seeing the hub’s impact from promoting recycling habits to empowering the community, reinforces how small actions can drive real change. We’re proud to be part of this initiative.”

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 650 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦55 million to beneficiaries.

The program has positively impacted more than 1200 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

Rita Idehai, CEO Eco Barter, added:

“Our partnership with the Sahara Group Foundation on the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub demonstrates the power of collaboration in accelerating sustainable change. Together, we are creating a system that rewards responsible disposal, supports local livelihoods, and brings technology-driven recycling closer to the community. We are proud to work with a partner that shares our vision for a cleaner, smarter, and more circular future for Lagos.”

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added,

“The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”

The MoU represents another milestone for Sahara Group Foundation in furtherance of its commitment to promoting access to energy and sustainable societies.

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability Sahara Group, said the partnership with the Nigeria Philanthropy Office will reinforce the critical role of entrepreneurship in the quest for sustainable development in Nigeria and become a template for “giving wings to the entrepreneurial spirit of the African Youth.”

Ms Thelma Ekiyor, the chairperson of the Nigeria Philanthropic Office under the VP’s office, said the MOU and subsequent implementation of strategic projects would serve as a catalyst for significant job creation opportunities within the sectors to be supported.

“This partnership aims to orchestrate high-level catalytic philanthropic and impact investing support for MSMEs operating in targeted sectors including Fashion, Furniture Manufacturing, Agro- Processing, and Renewal Energy with significant potential for job creation,” she said.

According to a report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), MSMEs form a significant part of Nigeria’s economy by contributing about 48% of the national GDP, yet simultaneously face major challenges such as low access to finance, inability to secure loans from banks due to stringent collateral requirements and high interest rates. MSMEs in Nigeria also suffer from inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent power supply and high operating costs.

Chidilim Menakaya, head, Programs, Sahara Group Foundation said the partnership seeks to provide prospects for “repositioning and transforming MSMEs” through activities such as training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Menakaya further emphasised that Sahara Group Foundation through various programs provided platforms for fostering sustainable growth for MSMEs, particularly in the aspect of seed funding, finance, strategy, branding and scaling advisory and opportunities for many startups.

She said:

“Through our extrapreneurship strategy, pan-African initiatives such as the Sahara MAD Challenge (formerly named Sahara Impact Fund) and the Making a Difference Around Africa initiative, we are creating essential platforms for driving sustainable MSME growth across the value chain to enable young entrepreneurs and startups thrive and contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development.”

The Go-Recycling project which kicked off in January 2023, is a waste-to-wealth initiative that aims to promote sustainable environmental practices and create job opportunities for Lagos residents.

This will help to address the problem of plastic pollution in the state and locals in the Ifako Ijaiye community and its environs can now participate in efficient waste management and make money while doing so.

Speaking at the launch, Ejiro Gray, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, emphasized on the importance of recycling and the Go-Recycling project.

She said;

“Recycling is essential for protecting our environment and reducing our reliance on landfills. The Go-Recycling project borne out of the need to promote environmental sustainability while also supporting the improvement of lives and livelihoods across communities will make it easy for Lagos residents to recycle and earn money at the same time. We are excited to launch this hub in Ifako Ijaiye LCDA by supporting a greener Lagos for today and future generations.”

Lagos residents can visit any of the Go-Recycling hubs located in the following areas: Isolo LCDA, Osolo Way, Aswani Road; Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Ikotun-Idimu Road, Off Egbe Road; Lagos Island LCDA, 173 Adeniji Adele Road; and Onigbogbon LCDA, 30 Kudira Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, NRC Building, Old Akute Road, Ifako ijaiye Annex office, to exchange their recyclables such as: pet plastics, pure water sachets, plastic chairs, plastic tables, paper, cardboard, HDPE, LDPE, can bottles, and glass bottles for cash incentives.

While commending on the Go Recycling project, Dr. Cyril Akinyele, Director, Environmental Health Services, Ifako Ijaiye LGA, thanked the Sahara Group Foundation and its partners for a commendable project such as this stating that the hub will assist the Environmental Health Services Department of Ifako Ijaiye LGA in its mission to solve plastic waste pollution.

He said:

“We are proudly committed to supporting initiatives around turning waste to wealth to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment. We will add value by installing signages around the hub to pass more information about Go Recycling initiative while seeing that indiscriminate disposal of refuse is largely curbed.”

The hubs are open during weekdays from 9am – 5pm with representatives available on-site to receive recyclables, provide guidance, and share insight on how recycling can help transform our lives and impact our environment sustainably.

The Go-Recycling project is a significant step towards promoting sustainable environmental practices in Lagos State and the Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate sustainability vehicle for leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, is committed to building sustainable societies by helping to improve access to energy and promote sustainable environments through this initiative.

The award is a testament to the remarkable efforts of Sahara Group Foundation in the field of community development, marked by their commitment to creating sustainable environments and enhancing access to clean energy throughout Africa.

Sahara Group Foundation serves as the corporate social sustainability vehicle of Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting African communities while enhancing the lives and livelihoods of its residents.

Commenting on the award, Ejiro Gray, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, expressed the foundation’s appreciation, saying;

“Receiving the Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Community Impact Award is a great honor. This acknowledgment highlights the unwavering commitment of Sahara Group Foundation and our collaborators to effect substantial and positive change in the lives of individuals across Africa. Our dedication to investing in our communities and fostering a brighter future for all remains resolute.”

Among Sahara Group Foundation’s noteworthy community impact initiatives is the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF), which aims to encourage and support the generation of ideas and solutions that promote increased energy access and sustainable environments.

The SIF empowers young African changemakers and social innovators by providing them with the necessary skills, mindset, and tools to establish and scale sustainable businesses.

The Sahara STEAMers Programme, an after-school initiative, imparts science, technology, engineering, arts, and math skills to students across Africa.

The program is currently operational in four African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with eight schools and over 150 students participating. This program is nurturing a new generation of creative and confident problem-solvers.

The Go Recycling project is a sustainable initiative designed to inspire environmentally conscious individuals and communities. Sahara Group Foundation is committed to creating job opportunities and enhancing lives and livelihoods in communities while fostering a sustainable and circular economy through recycling.

The Improved Security through Clean Energy Projects also aims to enhance infrastructure development, socio-economic growth, and effective policing by renovating and solar-powering police stations in Sahara Group host communities.

Additionally, the All-Round Scholarship Programme focuses on improving the quality and access to education for the indigenous population of Northeast Nigeria by addressing their educational and social needs.

Sahara Group Foundation, through its impactful projects, is making a significant difference in communities across Africa.

With a vision to build sustainable societies through innovative programs that promote energy access and sustainable environments, the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainably improve lives and livelihoods across the continent.

The CAHR Awards Africa represents the foremost awards program recognizing and celebrating individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to community development and human rights in Africa.

The awards pay tribute to Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, a Nigerian women’s rights activist and politician renowned for her unwavering dedication to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.