We train youth and women to become "wastepreneurs," providing the skills and tools needed to launch sustainable local green enterprises.
Empowering Youth Through Circular Economy
Green Jobs
Featured
Our Impact
- 219 eco-houses constructed across 8 African countries
- Over 3,000,000+ plastic bottles collected and repurposed
- 52 units. schools engaged monthly through our School Recycling Project, recovering plastic waste and teaching responsible waste management
- Over 1,000,000 people reached through sensitization programs, inspiring lasting behavior change toward sustainability
- Empowered thousands of women and youth with skills to create sustainable livelihoods.
About Us
Transforming Waste, Empowering Lives
Upcycle Africa is a multi-award-winning social enterprise transforming plastic waste into affordable housing, eco-friendly products, and sustainable livelihoods across Africa. Founded by Kavuma Johnmary, our work tackles three pressing challenges: plastic pollution, youth unemployment, and housing deficits.
We operate plastic waste collection hubs, turning discarded plastics into eco-bricks, furniture, accessories, garments, and other valuable products, while creating income opportunities for youth and women. Through our eco-brick housing projects, we provide safe, climate-resilient homes for marginalized communities, including refugees and low-income families, in multiple African countries.
Join the Movement
With recognition from UN-Habitat, IET Innovation Award, Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ocean Leaders Fellowship, and features on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Forbes Africa, Upcycle Africa is a leader in circular innovation, systems change, and community empowerment — turning waste into wealth, homes, and hope for Africa.
From Waste to Wealth
Building a Greener Future
We transform plastic pollution into industrial feedstock, eco-homes, and green jobs for a circular Africa.
System Change
Policy, Education & Awareness
Advocating sustainable waste policies while delivering climate education in schools and communities.
Waste Reduction
Plastic Waste Collection Hubs
Community centers collect plastic, produce flakes, and coordinate operations through a mobile app.
Plastic Repuporsing
Plastic Waste into Products
Local artisans and youth create eco-bricks, furniture, garments, accessories, generating sustainable incomes.
Eco-Housing
Eco-Structures for Needy
Building durable eco-brick homes for refugees, promoting dignity, safety, empowerment, and long-term resilience.
Startup
Green Business Acceleration
Communities identify problems, leveraging AI and indigenous knowledge to craft diverse local solutions.
R&D
Research & Development
Innovating alternative plastic materials with universities and innovators to close the plastic tap.
Youth Employment
Plastic Feedstock Production
Transforming plastic waste into standardized feedstock for manufacturing, construction, and driving economic resilience.
Why We do What we do
Addressing Critical Issues
Our work tackles some of the most pressing challenges of our time:
01
Plastic Waste Crisis:
Globally, 91% of plastic waste remains unrecycled, with 12.7 million tonnes polluting our oceans every year. In Uganda, 600 tons of plastic waste are mismanaged.
02
Housing Deficit:
Uganda has a 2.4 million housing shortage, leaving many without safe shelter. Among them, 1.5 million refugees urgently need sustainable, affordable homes.
03
Youth Unemployment:
With 4.5 million young people unemployed in Uganda, we are tackling this crisis by creating green jobs through recycling, upcycling, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Our Reach
Where We Work
From Uganda to multiple African communities, Upcycle Africa has scaled its impact by empowering youth, transforming plastic waste into valuable products, and building sustainable, eco-friendly housing creating a ripple effect of environmental, social, and economic change across the continent.
Uganda
Nigeria
Tanzania
Ghana
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Barack Obama
"We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it"
Awards & Recognition
Honored for Transforming Waste into Opportunity Across Africa
01
UN HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOR AWARD
For transforming lives through affordable housing provision, waste education and job creation.
02
IET INNOVATION AWARD.
In 2019, Upcycle Africa was honored with this award in recognition of its innovative approach to sustainability and measurable environmental impact.
03
ANDREW E. RICE AWARD
Upcycle Africa received an Honorable Mention at the Andrew E. Rice Award for its outstanding efforts in supporting communities and reducing plastic waste.
Real voices, real impact
Stories That Inspire Change
Join the Green Revolution
Get Involved
Help us create a better future for communities and the planet: But we’re just getting started! Join us as a team member, mentor, or partner, or support our programs with a donation. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener future.
Join Our Community
Our Partners
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our partners. Together, we’re driving meaningful change.
