The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-day training course for 20 Sierra Leonean innovators selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP). This initiative aims to help these innovators turn their ideas for combatting plastic pollution into scalable businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities, and promote sustainable development. The programme is funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund.
The training includes expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and networking opportunities. Participants will also receive ongoing technical support to tackle growth challenges and improve their business models for expansion. This support is crucial as innovators across Sierra Leone are tackling significant issues related to plastic pollution, such as waste collection, recycling, and circular business models.
However, many innovators face obstacles in accessing finance, forming partnerships, and scaling their operations. The programme addresses these challenges by providing practical sessions on business planning, investment readiness, financial management, market development, and impact measurement. These sessions are designed to equip the innovators with the necessary skills and knowledge to overcome the hurdles they face.
Kevin Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community leadership in Sierra Leone’s fight against plastic pollution. He noted that innovators are showing that waste can be turned into value, creating jobs and improving livelihoods. This perspective highlights the potential for sustainable development through locally led innovations.
Binta Barrie, Lead for UniPod at Fourah Bay College, highlighted the knowledge and networks gained through the training as crucial for turning local solutions into sustainable enterprises benefiting communities across Sierra Leone. The training programme is part of UNDP’s wider efforts across Africa to promote locally led innovations that reduce plastic pollution and foster sustainable practices.
The UNDP’s initiative is a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Sierra Leone. By supporting local innovators, the programme aims to create a ripple effect of positive change in communities across the country. The focus on scalable businesses and sustainable development underscores the UNDP’s commitment to long-term impact.
The success of this programme will depend on the ability of the innovators to implement their ideas and scale their solutions. With the right support and resources, these innovators have the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution in Sierra Leone. The UNDP’s training programme is a crucial step in this direction.
Key points
- UNDP launches training programme for 20 Sierra Leonean innovators to combat plastic pollution
- Programme aims to help innovators turn ideas into scalable businesses creating jobs and promoting sustainable development
- Training includes expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and networking opportunities to support innovators in scaling their solutions
