Mombasa Plastics Prize

Mombasa Plastics Prize

A clear plastic bottle with a black shoe lace tied to it floating in a very clear body of water

In Mombasa 850 metric tons of waste are generated per day…

  • Approximately 20% of this waste is plastic.
  • Out of the total solid waste generated, 46% is collected, and only 5% is recycled.
  • Across Kenya, 37 thousand tonnes of this plastic waste leaks into the ocean every year.

The Mombasa Plastics Prize aims to help tackle this problem

The Mombasa Plastics Prize aims to encourage innovation and awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in Mombasa County, by inspiring the development of solutions that tackle the problem of marine plastic waste mismanagement within informal settlements.

We are calling on young adults (ages 18-25) living in Mombasa County, with an interest in tackling this problem, to compete in the prize.

This prize builds on the work of the Afri-Plastics Challenge, funded by Global Affairs Canada, which aims to reduce marine plastics in sub-Saharan African countries by developing and scaling innovative solutions to plastic mismanagement.

We’re looking for ambitious, dedicated and creative aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders (between the ages of 18 and 25), who want to help tackle the challenge of marine plastic waste mismanagement in Mombasa County’s informal settlements.

Apply here

The Mombasa Plastics Prize will run between September 2022 and May 2023, but applications are due by Tuesday 8 November 2022 at 12PM GMT (3PM EAT).

Following the assessment of entries, 60 finalists will be selected and divided into 15 teams, where you will develop your solutions.

There will be a series of hack events between January and May 2023, where you will develop and test your ideas in teams. You will be supported by trained mentors and coaches, whilst also receiving funding to develop your ideas.

At the end of the process, three winning teams will be selected and awarded incredible cash prizes.

Partners

USAID - from the American people

USAID

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

In 2020, the U.S. Government passed the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act–the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address ocean plastic pollution. The Mombasa Plastics Prize is one of the ways that USAID Kenya & East Africa is advancing the Agency’s efforts to address ocean plastic pollution.

Canada Global Affairs - Affaires Mondials

The Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is at the forefront of critical international efforts to protect the marine environment.

It is part of the Impact Canada Initiative, a Government of Canada-wide effort that accelerates innovative funding approaches.

US Dept of the Interior - International Technical Assistance Program

US Department of the Interior

Since 1995, DOI’s International Technical Assistance Program has provided technical assistance to more than 70 countries around the globe to develop and implement projects on the ground in areas of Departmental expertise, particularly on protected area management and conservation.

Challenge Works - a Nesta enterprise

Challenge Works

Challenge Works is the new name of Nesta Challenges. We are a social enterprise founded by the UK’s innovation agency Nesta.

For a decade, we have established ourselves as a global leader in the design and delivery of high-impact challenge prizes that incentivise cutting-edge innovation for social good.

Blue Globe - innovation consultants

Blue Globe Innovation Consultants

Blue Globe Innovation is an innovation consultancy specializing in grand challenges, recognition and inducement prizes, SME support, energy access, and fostering open innovation.

They work with partners across the globe with the ultimate goal of engaging communities to explore ideas and create platforms for innovative solution.

Proportion logo

Proportion

Proportion Global is a leading international human-centered design agency that has over 11 years experience in conducting design research in low-income communities with the purpose to innovate for social impact. Proportion Global serves NGOs and social enterprises to design impactful solutions.