Young entrepreneurs turning trash into cash in recycling drive

At the recent UN Youth Climate Summit, Ghislain Irakoze, the Founder of ‘wastezone’, an e-waste recycling company, stood out as one of the 100 young individuals selected to address climate change challenges. His innovative approach to the e-waste industry is making waves, as he aims to tackle environmental issues while also creating economic opportunities. Irakoze's company has developed a mobile application that connects recycling data with households for waste collection, sorting, and traceability. This platform leverages blockchain technology to enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency. In a conversation with CNBC Africa's Arnold Kwizera, Irakoze shared insights on his experience at the UN Youth Climate Conversation and discussed the importance of taking concrete actions in the fight against climate change. The young entrepreneur emphasized the need for more support and funding for climate mitigation projects, especially in underrepresented communities facing the brunt of environmental challenges. Irakoze highlighted the role of young people in driving advocacy and entrepreneurial initiatives related to waste management and renewable energy. He stressed the importance of moving beyond advocacy and towards implementing tangible solutions to combat climate change. One of the key actions Irakoze's company has taken is utilizing blockchain technology to optimize e-waste management processes. By using blockchain for equipment certification and material traceability, 'wastezone' aims to promote a circular economy and address resource scarcity issues. The company's innovative approach streamlines waste collection and sorting, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental impact. 'wastezone' facilitates communication between recycling actors and households through a mobile application and web dashboard, enabling seamless coordination for e-waste disposal. By empowering individuals and businesses to responsibly recycle electronic devices, 'wastezone' is paving the way for sustainable waste management practices and a greener future.