East Africa’s Green and Inclusive Champions

Green entrepreneurship in East Africa is gaining ground thanks to pioneers like Louisa Wachuka Gathecha and Godfrey Kiberu. These changemakers are defying staggering waste statistics and igniting inclusive growth through sustainable practices and female leadership. Their remarkable journeys highlight the untapped potential of African entrepreneurship and impact-driven small and medium enterprises (iSMEs), proving that local solutions can create a greener, more equitable future for all.

In Nairobi, approximately 2,400 tonnes of solid waste is generated daily, yet only 45 percent is recycled or reused, far below the eighty percent target set by Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The urgent need to address this challenge is compounded by ineffective waste management practices and increasing urban pressures, which pose serious health risks to residents.

Amid this challenging vista, Bottle Logistics East Africa Limited is redefining waste management while empowering local communities through its innovative approach to glass recycling.

Founded in 2019 by Louisa Wachuka Gathecha, the company arose from a pressing need to address the inefficiencies in waste recovery practices. Louisa notes that during her decade-long work in the beverage industry, she witnessed only about thirty percent of glass waste being recycled, which sparked her drive to find a solution.

Bottle Logistics’ mission is clear: local glass manufacturers could utilise up to ninety percent recycled glass, but they only achieve half of that. This significant gap spurred Louisa into action, driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.

She recognised that by improving the recycling rates of glass waste, she could contribute to environmental sustainability and create job opportunities for underserved populations, especially women, in Kenya.

The company’s mission demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability. It collects glass waste from various sources, including industrial sites, restaurants, and dump yards. This waste undergoes rigorous cleaning and quality control to ensure that only the best materials are recycled. Its circular model ensures that glass waste is reused, significantly reducing landfill waste.

Waste Revolution

By partnering with prominent clients such as Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), Bottle Logistics has distinguished itself in the local glassware market through its unwavering commitment to quality. The meticulous cleaning process involves sorting, washing, and inspecting collected glass before reintroducing it into the production cycle. This dedication protects the environment and ensures that its products meet the high standards demanded by its clients.

To date, it has diverted over 18,400 tonnes of glass waste from landfills, translating to a reduction of 3,066 tonnes of carbon emissions. This achievement aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 on climate action.

Louisa highlights the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting, ‘We are proud of our contributions to environmental sustainability, but we also recognise there is still much work ahead to address the ongoing environmental challenges.’

As Bottle Logistics expands and tackles glass waste, it has teamed up with Oxfam through the Impact SME Programme. Through this, it has received resources and training to implement best practices in waste collection and employee welfare. The partnership has also established a framework for addressing social issues and creating a safe working environment, making Bottle Logistics a model for corporate social responsibility.

Oxfam has also supported the company by helping develop a financial model that significantly improved internal budgeting and streamlined financial processes. They provided small grants that enabled it to digitise its supply chain, enhancing efficiency.

‘Additionally,’ Faith Ann Wanjiku says, ‘They facilitated training sessions on sexual harassment and gender-based violence awareness for employees, along with counselling for those at higher risk. Through their partnership with the Wangu Kanja Foundation, they sponsored branded personal protective equipment (PPEs) for our employees.’ Faith is the human resource manager.

Currently, Bottle Logistics and Oxfam are working on an ongoing project called ‘ISME—Rapid Care Analysis.’ It aims to create a safe and conducive environment for the company’s workforce, increase productivity, and support the empowerment of youth and women in the organisation. This signifies the company’s impact beyond environmental benefits. It is also creating job opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

Social Equity

Starting with sixty employees, it now boasts a workforce of 150, with a focus on fostering inclusivity, according to Faith. Of the 150 employees, 105 are women, while 45 are men. ‘We focus on hiring women and youth to empower them and support financial independence,’ she explains. This dedication to social equity is essential in a region facing high unemployment rates, with the latest figures from the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report showing a rate of 5.7 percent.

Joseph Ndung’u, a supervisor who started his journey as a bottle cleaner, highlights the company’s transformative impact on the community. ‘I joined a year and a half ago and now oversee operations at the site. Beyond my role, the company has generated jobs for local women who provide meals to staff and for drivers who transport our products,’ he shares.

Winfred Njiru, the store operator, also reflects on the positive changes. ‘The job has provided a steady income, helping me address my family’s financial needs,’ she shares. ‘I can now support my children’s education and manage other obligations that were once challenging. Moreover, working here has allowed me to build strong relationships with my colleagues, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.’

The company is addressing the challenges of logistics and workforce management typical of small and medium enterprises by consolidating operations into one location and embracing digital technology.

These efforts have enhanced efficiency through improved route planning, waste tracking, and environmental monitoring. By streamlining its processes, the company has simplified coordination across multiple collection sites and effectively managed its growing workforce.

Operational Shifts

Beyond operational challenges, Louisa points out that many government policies are not conducive to SME growth. She highlights the high costs of doing business across counties, as entrepreneurs have to obtain separate licenses from each county, rather than having a single, unified license.

The company aims to expand its reach beyond its current market: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. By enhancing its online presence and utilising social media, it hopes to connect with potential clients and partners across the region. Louisa is particularly excited about diversifying into new products, including upcycling glass into construction materials — a bold step that reinforces the growing movement of green entrepreneurship in East Africa.

‘By venturing into the construction industry, we hope to address the unmet demand for sustainable building materials while furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship.’

Bottle Logistics envisions streamlining operations, creating more job opportunities, and empowering communities while maintaining its dedication to sustainability. As it continues to grow, the company champions environmental responsibility and nurtures the social fabric of the communities it serves.

As Louisa and her team are making strides in Kenya, Godfrey Kiberu is similarly devoted to environmental stewardship and job creation in Uganda. ‘In Africa, we have immense potential that remains untapped,’ he asserts. Kiberu co-founded Crisgrow, a trailblazing company in Uganda that champions a zero-waste circular value chain model, focusing on avocados.

Born in rural Uganda, Kiberu faced adversity early on, losing both parents during his childhood. He recounts, ‘I never saw my father. He died when I was a toddler, and I later lost my mother while in lower primary school.’ Fortunately, his uncle and grandmother stepped in, ensuring he had the opportunity to pursue his education.

Entrepreneurial Grit

Despite their support, challenges persisted. His guardians were peasant farmers, and on weekends, he would sell vegetables and avocados in urban markets to help support the family and earn pocket money. ‘I learned crucial skills like negotiation and money management, unknowingly preparing myself for a future in entrepreneurship,’ he reflects.

After completing secondary school, Kiberu earned a Diploma in Civil and Building Engineering, backed by a government scholarship. He later secured a position as a geotechnical investigator. However, after two years, he felt unfulfilled, realising he was merely making ends meet. “I understood that I was created for a life of influence, to leave a legacy of positive living,” he said—marking the beginning of his journey into green entrepreneurship in East Africa, where innovation meets purpose.

Kiberu left behind a promising engineering career to start a small snack business. However, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed his venture, forcing him to rethink his path. Determined to succeed, he began marketing his uncle’s hot peppers on WhatsApp, rapidly building demand and soon becoming a supplier to businesses that serve export firms.

Recognising the high demand and various market challenges, he took a bold step and, in partnership with a few people, established an export company, Crisgrow Uganda Ltd. Driven by a desire to connect local farmers with international markets, particularly for avocados, he initially focused on exporting fresh produce. However, he soon encountered significant barriers, including market access and the necessity for value addition. “I saw many farmers struggling with the same issues my uncle faced.” His experience illustrates how green entrepreneurship in East Africa is not just about business—it’s about solving real problems for communities through sustainable innovation.

The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed change, prompting him to rethink Crisgrow’s business model. He pivoted toward value-added products, introducing offerings such as avocado oil for skin application, as well as soap and tea made from avocados. This strategic shift not only diversified the product line but also created a zero-waste circular business model, ensuring every part of the avocado was utilised.

Crisgrow’s trajectory has significantly been enhanced by the partnership with Oxfam Novib’s Impact SME Programme. Through this collaboration, Kiberu gained critical training in sustainable business practices, customer profiling, and financial management. The company is also committed to gender equality, employing six women directly and ensuring that sixty percent of its farmers supplying avocadoes are women.

Continental Impact

’Oxfam helped us create a robust financial model that enabled us to raise over $115,000 in grants and equity investment independently,’ he states. He credits Oxfam for this milestone achievement, saying that the skills gained allowed them to raise the funds in two years. Their guidance in implementing a zero-waste business approach was pivotal, allowing Crisgrow to operate sustainably while boosting its marketability.

Kiberu’s journey has been fraught with challenges. Early market conditions were tough, operational costs high, and sourcing quality produce difficult. “Government policies—such as taxes on startups and high business registration fees—can be unfavourable, and navigating the supply chain is complex,” he reflects. Despite these hurdles, through sheer determination and innovative thinking, green entrepreneurship in East Africa is steadily evolving — and Crisgrow stands as a strong example of that growth.

The company’s branding and product quality have garnered significant consumer attention, leading to increased demand. ‘We successfully trademarked our avocado products under the name Lavado, enhancing our market presence,’ he explains.

Crisgrow’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations. The company employs a zero-waste model, transforming by-products from avocado processing into organic fertilisers and livestock protein. This innovative approach not only minimises waste but also enhances local agricultural productivity.

Through partnerships with cooperatives, Crisgrow positively impacts the livelihoods of approximately five hundred avocado farmers. Kiberu works closely with these farmers, ensuring fair compensation and training in sustainable practices.

‘By empowering local farmers, we create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities,’ he says. Additionally, Crisgrow employs five permanent and eight part-time staff, providing job opportunities in a region often plagued by unemployment.

The company’s success exemplifies the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, Godfrey envisions a bright future for Crisgrow and the farmers it supports.

He aims to expand the export of value-added products, which are currently sold only in Uganda, to markets in the Middle East and Europe by 2026, to include five thousand smallholder farmers in the process.

“We are also developing a digital tool for traceability to ensure our products meet international standards and are accessible globally.” Through his journey, he is transforming his life while uplifting communities and setting a precedent for green entrepreneurship in East Africa, driving innovation in the continent’s agricultural sector.

Louisa and Kiberu’s journeys showcase the resilience and creativity of African entrepreneurs. By tackling local environmental and social issues with sustainable business practices, they are generating economic opportunities while also contributing to a wider movement for sustainability and gender equality, such as female leadership, throughout the continent.

Their initiatives highlight the transformative power of grassroots solutions in confronting global challenges and advancing social equity. As they lead the way in promoting sustainable practices, green entrepreneurship in East Africa emerges as a powerful force. They embody the potential of local efforts to drive significant economic and environmental change across the continent.

Edited by “Pius Okore”