OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The deadline for submission of proposals is 13^th June 2025

Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP)

Incubation, Exhibition, and International Cooperation to End Plastic Pollution

REIMAGINING NIGERIA’S PLASTIC CRISIS THROUGH GRASSROOTS INNOVATION

For early-stage not-for-profit innovators, CBOs, and social impact organizations, community-based organisations tackling plastic pollution

Plastic pollution in Nigeria is not just an environmental issue — it is a systemic development challenge. With over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, and less than 10% effectively recycled, the vast majority of plastic ends up in landfills, drainage systems, or water bodies, contributing to urban flooding, health hazards, and the breakdown of infrastructure (World Bank, 2022). In Lagos for example, plastic waste is one of the primary causes of blocked drainages, resulting in annual flood-related losses estimated at $4 billion (LASEPA, 2023).

This crisis intersects with multiple layers of inequality. Women, who make up a large percentage of informal waste workers, often operate without formal protections, access to markets, or decision-making power. Youth, meanwhile, face high unemployment rates, despite having the creativity and energy to drive green enterprise. Rural and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by the health risks and degraded environments caused by plastic pollution (UNEP, 2021).

At the same time, the plastic economy — if reimagined — holds transformative potential. According to UNIDO’s 2021 mapping of Nigeria’s plastic value chain, there are significant untapped opportunities for material innovation, closed-loop business models, community-led recycling, and circular financing tools that not only address pollution but create jobs, drive inclusive entrepreneurship, and strengthen local resilience.

Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management (2020) highlights the need for new technologies, behavioral shifts, and systems-level approaches to transition toward circularity. But top-down strategies alone are not enough. Solving this challenge requires the boldness and imagination of those closest to the problem — early-stage innovators, local builders, youth-led ventures, and community-based organizations who see the gaps, live the reality, and are ready to co-create a new path forward.

With funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support innovative solutions to address plastic pollution. This open call by the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP) seeks to support these grassroots change agents. Whether you are developing an eco-friendly material, running a community reuse initiative, redesigning packaging, or piloting a new policy tool — your idea matters. We are looking for unconventional, early-stage solutions rooted in local realities, designed with users in mind, and focused on scalable, inclusive, and sustainable impact. Applicants can focus on one innovation area or can propose multi-sector solutions. 

SECTION 1: WHO YOU ARE

1. Name of your organization, group, or innovation collective:

2. Where are you based? (LGA, State)

3. Are you registered? (Provide details)

4. Your mission in one sentence:

5. Describe your team in 3 words:

6. Tell us your origin story. (How did your team or group start? Max 150 words)

SECTION 2: YOUR INNOVATION

1. What’s the boldest idea you’re testing or dreaming up to address plastic waste? (Max 250 words)

2. Which of these innovation types best fits your solution? (Select all that apply)

3. Material innovation

4. Product/Design innovation

5. Business model innovation

6. Tech/data-driven innovation

7. Governance or systems innovation

8. Innovative financing (e.g., circular credit, EPR)

9. Who is your solution designed for? (Be specific — not just “youth” or “communities”)

10. What’s the biggest insight you’ve learned from the people you are designing for? (Show us you’ve listened)

11. Describe a moment where you tested, failed, or pivoted your idea. What changed? (Max 150 words)

SECTION 3: IMPACT, INCLUSION & POTENTIAL

1. What specific local plastic problem is your solution addressing?

2. How does your work include:

• Women:

• Youth:

• People with Disabilities:

• Indigenous or underserved groups:

3. What does success look like in 12 months? Clearly outline the expected outputs and outcomes of their proposed solution (Paint a picture of the future you’re working toward in 200 words) 

4. What kind of support (beyond funding) would help you grow this idea?

• Technical support

• Design mentorship

• Data or research access

• Market access

• Policy engagement

• Other: ___________

SECTION 4: TIMELINE & RESOURCES

1. When would you be ready to start if selected?

2. How will you structure the execution of your solution? 

3. How much grant will you require (between $10,000 - $20,000)?

4. Do you have any co-financing, in-kind support, or partners already involved?

5. How will you utilise the seed investment?

SECTION 5: YOUR TRACK RECORD & SYSTEMS

1. Do you have previous experience running similar projects? (If yes, share links or brief summary in 200 words)

2. How will you document your journey and share what you learn? (200 words)

3. Do you have any collaborators, co-creators, or partner organizations? (List and state their contributions/how you work together)

SECTION 6: APPLICATION PROCESS

1. The deadline for submission of proposals is 13^th June 2025.

2. Applications must be submitted via email ONLY to: globalgpip.plastics@undp.org

3. For further inquiry, please contact globalgpip.plastics@undp.org. 

4. It is expected that the project will commence in June 2025 and be completed by June 2026.

5. The subject line of the Proposal should read: "NIGERIA-PLASTIC INNOVATION PROJECT-[ORGANIZATION NAME]” 

SECTION 7: DECLARATION

• I confirm that the information provided is true and that I am authorized to submit this application.

• I understand that this is an innovation challenge and not a grant competition — experimentation and learning are encouraged.

• I agree to be contacted for follow-up if shortlisted.

Name of Project Contact            ______________________
Role/Position:   ______________________

Contact details: (Phone, Email, Website) ______________________________
Date:                           ______________________