Abuja, Nigeria, 14 October,2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) this week launched a three-day training to help 20 Nigerian innovators, selected under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP), turn their ideas for reducing plastic pollution into businesses that can grow and create jobs. The training is the first in a series under GPIP, which is funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF). It combines expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, peer learning and networking. Afterwards, participants will receive continued support through technical advisory clinics to help them overcome barriers to growth and plan how to scale.

Across Nigeria, innovators are developing solutions ranging from reuse systems and alternative materials to waste collection, recycling technologies and digital tools. But many early-stage ventures struggle to access finance, find partners, reach markets and grow. The training focuses on these barriers, with practical sessions on business planning, preparing for investors, managing finances, reaching new markets, building partnerships, measuring and communicating impact.

“Today's innovators are not simply managing waste. They are redesigning how economies work,” said Mr Muyiwa Odele, Head, Environment Unit, UNDP in Nigeria. “This training helps them move from promising ideas to enterprises that create jobs, protect the environment and strengthen the economy. Nigeria has the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial energy to lead this transition.”

“Innovation is not just about inventing something new. It is about solving problems at a scale that matters,” remarked Ms. Vivian Maduekwe, Project Lead, eCycle. “This programme gives us the tools to strengthen our businesses and attract the right partners, so we can turn environmental challenges into opportunities that benefit communities, livelihoods and future generations.”

Highlighting the importance of investing in youth-led innovation, Ms. Ibukun Odusote, Executive Director, Digital Peers International noted: “We have seen tremendous creativity and commitment among young Nigerians working to address plastic pollution and other sustainability challenges. This programme creates an important platform for young entrepreneurs to refine their solutions, expand their networks, and contribute to sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s future.”

The training is part of UNDP's wider work across Africa to support locally led solutions that reduce plastic pollution, create green jobs and help countries shift to a circular economy, where materials are kept in use instead of being thrown away.