Growing up, Damilola Daramola, Chief Technology Officer at Trashcoin Limited, witnessed the devastating effects of poor waste management in African communities. Overflowing landfills, plastic-clogged waterways, and a lack of structured recycling systems created both an environmental and economic crisis. However, rather than seeing waste as a problem, Damilola saw an opportunity to transform it into wealth.

With a passion for sustainability and inspired by his mother’s lifelong dedication to serving others as a nurse, Damilola envisioned a way to empower communities through recycling. This vision led to Trashcoin, a blockchain-powered platform that rewards individuals for recycling, creating a transparent and scalable solution for waste management across Africa.

A Turning Point: Joining the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub

Turning an idea into reality is never easy, but Damilola found the right support system in the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. This Pan-African initiative, dedicated to leveraging technology and entrepreneurship for sustainability, aligned perfectly with Trashcoin’s mission of creating a circular economy where waste becomes an asset.

Among more than 600 applications from over 40 countries, Trashcoin was selected as one of 43 startups to participate in the timbuktoo GreenTech Bootcamp in Nairobi. The program provided mentorship, business strategy training, investment readiness support, and a platform to refine their model for greater impact.

“The Bootcamp was a game-changer for us,” Damilola shares. “It challenged our assumptions, helped us refine our approach, and connected us with industry leaders driving sustainable solutions across Africa.”

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the promise of digital transformation, integrating blockchain technology into waste management presented challenges. Many communities distrusted digital solutions and were skeptical about Trashcoin’s model.

“We had to bridge the gap between traditional waste practices and new technology,” Damilola explains. To address this, Trashcoin prioritized transparency, using blockchain to track every transaction securely and ensure accountability in the recycling process.

Funding and technical expertise were also barriers in the emerging waste-tech sector. However, through strategic partnerships, accelerator programs, and continuous product innovation, Trashcoin overcame these hurdles. The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub played a crucial role in opening doors to funding, industry experts, and global networks, equipping Trashcoin with the tools to scale across the continent.

A Vision for the Future

Trashcoin is on a mission to transform Africa’s waste economy by making recycling financially rewarding and environmentally impactful. Its vision is focussed on:Reducing plastic pollution and keeping harmful waste out of landfills, Lowering carbon emissions through responsible waste disposal, creating economic opportunities by enabling individuals to convert waste into financial resources.

“Trashcoin is not just an environmental solution—it’s an economic opportunity,” Damilola emphasizes. “It creates jobs, reduces pollution, and makes sustainability accessible to everyone.”

A Circular Economy in the Making

The launch of the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub at Konza Technopolis on December 6, 2024, symbolized Africa’s commitment to green innovation. Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and global partners, the hub aims to accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable future.

As one of the first 43 startups selected, Damilola sees this as a defining moment for Trashcoin and green tech in Africa.

“The future of waste management isn’t in landfills but in circular economies where waste is turned into value,” he says. “With the right partnerships and mindset, we can build a greener, more prosperous Africa.”

For Damilola and the Trashcoin team, this is just the beginning. The journey to a cleaner, more sustainable Africa is underway—one recycled item at a time.

About the Author: 

Michael Kibuku is a Digital Communications Officer at UNDP Kenya.