DITCh Plastic Network in partnership with Cchub Launches New Project to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Africa
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..Project to design framework for transitioning to a circular plastic economy in Africa
By Yinka Adewusi
DITCh Plastic Network has launched a new project to drive engagement and develop a framework for transitioning to a Circular Plastic Economy (CPE) in Africa. DITCh Plastic is a Global challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from UK R visit, https://ditch-plastic.org/-ENDS-Foresearch and Innovation (UKRI)funded project that aims to characterise, cluster, synergise and optimise digital innovations that wouldsupport and accelerate a transition to a Circular Plastic Economy in Africa.
By combining its extensive existing networks and infrastructure, the team will work at the community levelto create public engagement for knowledge exchange and capacity building in sustainably managingplastic waste and pollution. To facilitate and foster collaboration, as well as synergy and knowledgeexchange, the project will integrate digital tools that will bring together existing websites, apps andinnovative processes that have been designed specifically for plastic reduction, recycling and reuse indifferent environments.
The project led by De Montfort University in the UK will bring together Africa’s leading technology hubs( Co-Creation hub Lagos , iHub Nairobi and BongoHive Lusaka), top UK Universities (University ofWarwick, University of Birmingham, and Aston University), leading African Universities (University ofLagos, Kigali Collaborative Research Centre and University of Namibia) and third sector organisationssuch as (Chatham House and Plastic Oceans).
Commenting on the project launch, Dr Muyiwa Oyinlola, Associate Professor in Engineering forSustainable Development at De Montfort University says, “I am extremely honoured to be leading thismultisectoral network which brings together some of Africa’s leading Innovation and Technology firms aswell as extremely talented researchers/professionals. I am positive that together, we will make asignificant contribution to tackling the plastic waste challenge in Africa”.
Dr Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, speaking on behalfof Chatham House, a world-leading policy institute, whose mission is to help government and societiesbuild a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world commented, “We are excited to be part of thisproject to reduce plastic pollution in Africa through digital innovations – a key enabler for an inclusivecircular plastics economy.”“This is an exciting moment for the University of Namibia and Namibia as a whole to be part of this globalproject to find innovative means to address the menace of plastic waste in our environment.
This projectis timely to contribute to the country’s efforts!” says Dr Selma Lendelvo, Senior Researcher and Head ofthe Life Sciences Division of the Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia.
CcHUB, iHub and BongoHive will harness its pan-African network to provide support through the application of Human-Centered Design (HCD) and technology to build capacity that will contribute toaccelerating the growth of circular plastic economy across Africa through digital innovation.