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UNDP Supports 20 Sierra Leone Entrepreneurs to Expand Plastic Recycling Businesses
The United Nations Development Programme has launched a three-day training initiative for 20 Sierra Leonean innovators developing solutions to plastic pollution. The programme combines business development, investment readiness and continued technical support to help promising recycling ventures grow.
Key Points
- Participants: 20 innovators selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP).
- Training: Three days of business development, financial management, investment readiness and networking.
- Continued support: Technical advisory assistance will remain available after the workshop.
- Focus: Plastic collection, recycling, reuse, alternative materials and circular business models.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-day training programme to help 20 entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone develop commercially viable businesses addressing plastic pollution.
The participants were selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP), funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund. The initiative aims to strengthen local enterprises working on plastic waste collection, recovery, recycling, reuse and alternative materials.
ScrapMonster Edge: Recycling Innovation Needs More Than Technical Training
For small recycling businesses, developing a workable solution is only one part of building a sustainable operation. Access to financing, reliable customers and commercial partners can determine whether an idea becomes a functioning business.
UNDP's approach addresses these challenges by combining practical business instruction with advisory support after the initial training period.
Industry takeaway: The programme's longer-term value will depend on whether participating ventures can secure investment, expand their customer networks and operate sustainably. Training 20 entrepreneurs is an initial milestone, not evidence that 20 businesses have already achieved commercial success.
Training Targets Financing and Business Growth Challenges
The programme combines specialist instruction, practical business exercises, peer learning and networking opportunities.
Participants receive guidance in business planning, financial management, investment readiness, market development, partnership building and measuring environmental and social impact.
UNDP noted that many promising recycling ventures in Sierra Leone face difficulties attracting investment, entering new markets and establishing the partnerships needed to expand operations.
Following the workshop, participants will receive continued technical assistance to strengthen their business models and address operational challenges.
Initiative Supports Local Recycling and Employment
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Sierra Leone Kevin Petrini highlighted the importance of local entrepreneurship and community leadership in addressing plastic pollution.
He said innovators are demonstrating how discarded materials can generate economic value, create employment and improve livelihoods while helping protect the environment.
The initiative forms part of UNDP's broader efforts to advance locally led recycling solutions, circular-economy businesses and sustainable production across Africa.
The Global Plastics Innovation Programme operates from 2024 to 2027 across Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, China and Viet Nam.
Source: United Nations Development Programme, October 28, 2026.
