PReP 2.0 Aims to Recover 32,000 Metric Tonnes of Plastic Waste and Generate 2,400 Jobs in Nigeria
A nonprofit organisation, TechnoServe, has officially launched the second phase of its Plastic Recycling Program in Nigeria, known as PReP 2.0. This initiative is backed by significant funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation and represents a renewed effort to scale up plastic waste recovery, create substantial employment opportunities, and deepen environmental sustainability across the nation. The new phase builds upon the successes of the initial programme, which was implemented primarily in the southern regions, with a broader ambition to develop a more inclusive and commercially-viable recycling ecosystem while strengthening livelihoods on a national scale.
Urgent Need for Intervention Highlighted by UN Data
Data from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation underscores the critical urgency of this intervention. It reveals that Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually. In Lagos alone, roughly 13,000 metric tonnes of solid waste are produced daily, much of which ends up polluting communities and waterways, posing severe environmental and health risks. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for effective waste management solutions like PReP 2.0.
Significant Impact of the Initial PReP Initiative
Since its inception, the PReP initiative has recorded remarkable achievements in Lagos and Anambra states. It has successfully diverted over 59,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from the environment, created and improved 10,000 livelihoods, and established a robust network of 51 aggregators that drive growth within the recycling value chain. Additionally, the programme has provided crucial support to women- and youth-led enterprises through equipment, training, and working capital, empowering them to thrive in the recycling sector.
Expansion and Targets for PReP 2.0
Speaking at the launch event, Adesuwa Akinboro, the Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, emphasised that the programme has transformed waste into economic opportunity, enabling collectors and aggregators to operate as structured businesses while improving community environments. With PReP 2.0, operations will expand to Kano State alongside existing locations, with ambitious targets to generate an additional 2,400 jobs and divert 32,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from the environment. Akinboro pointed out that the initiative will focus on strengthening collaboration across the recycling value chain, improving efficiency among market players, and unlocking financing through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
Alignment with Environmental and Community Goals
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, also commented on the unveiling, noting that the programme aligns perfectly with the foundation's commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. He added that PReP 2.0 will help reduce plastic waste, cut emissions, and support livelihoods at a large scale, contributing to a cleaner and more prosperous Nigeria. Beyond waste recovery, the programme will actively promote gender inclusion, environmental awareness, and behavioural change, positioning women and youth at the centre of Nigeria's evolving recycling economy.
Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Stakeholders involved in the initiative have highlighted that PReP 2.0 underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. By unlocking economic value and building resilient communities, such collaborations are essential for sustainable development. The programme serves as a model for how coordinated efforts can tackle pressing issues like plastic pollution while fostering economic growth and social inclusion across Nigeria.
