Turning Pollution into Transformation
Upcycle Africa is a Ugandan social enterprise building circular solutions that transform plastic waste into affordable housing, dignified jobs, and resilient communities. We operate at the intersection of waste management, green manufacturing, construction, and youth entrepreneurship to address some of Africa’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.
Our work goes beyond recycling. We design and operate integrated systems that link community plastic collection, industrial processing, product manufacturing, enterprise development, and policy engagement. By turning plastic waste into valuable materials and market-ready products, we create livelihoods for youth and women while reducing pollution and strengthening local economies.
Upcycle Africa was founded to prove that environmental restoration and economic opportunity can grow together at scale, and from the ground up.
2015-2018
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
2019-2022
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
2023-2024
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
2025-2026
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Vision
A future where plastic pollution is eliminated, affordable housing is accessible, and African communities thrive through inclusive, circular economies.
Mission
To convert plastic waste into housing, jobs, and sustainable value by building community-led circular systems that empower youth and women, strengthen local industries, and protect the environment.
Upcycle Africa turns plastic waste into homes, jobs, and income across African countries. One proven circular model, adapted locally, delivers impact at scale.
Uganda
Nigeria
Tanzania
Ghana
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Johnmary Kavuma
Our model works because it belongs to communities — and that’s why it scales.
Transforming Waste into Opportunity Across Africa
UN HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOR AWARD
For transforming lives through affordable housing provision, waste education and job creation.
IET INNOVATION AWARD.
In 2019, Upcycle Africa was honored with this award in recognition of its innovative approach to sustainability and measurable environmental impact.
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.
Every bottle collected, every brick made, every home built is a step toward a cleaner, fairer world. Whether you are an individual, organization, or investor — your partnership can help us scale this transformation. 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.