TheCable

DITCh Plastic Network has launched a new project to tackle plastic pollution and accelerate the growth of circular plastic economy (CPE) across Africa.

DITCh Plastic is a global challenges research fund (GCRF) from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project that aims to characterise, cluster and optimise digital innovations that would support and accelerate a transition to a circular plastic economy in Africa.

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 of
Warwick, University of Birmingham, and Aston University), leading African universities (University of Lagos, Kigali Collaborative Research Centre and University of Namibia) and third sector organisations such as Chatham House and Plastic Oceans.

According to DITCh Plastic, the team will work at the community level to create public engagement for knowledge exchange and capacity building in sustainably managing plastic waste and pollution.

It added that to facilitate collaboration, as well as knowledge exchange, the project will integrate digital tools that will bring together existing websites, apps and innovative processes that have been designed specifically for plastic reduction, recycling and reuse in
different environments.

Commenting on the project launch, Muyiwa Oyinlola, associate professor in engineering for sustainable development at De Montfort University, said he is positive the team will make a significant contribution to tackling the challenges of plastic waste in Africa.

“I am extremely honoured to be leading this multi-sectoral network which brings together some of Africa’s leading innovation and technology firms as
well as extremely talented researchers/professionals,” Oyinlola said.

“I am positive that together, we will make a significant contribution to tackling the plastic waste challenge in Africa”.

Speaking on behalf of Chatam House, Patrick Schroeder, senior research fellow, energy, environment and resources, said: “We are excited to be part of this project to reduce plastic pollution in Africa through digital innovations – a key enabler for an inclusive circular plastics economy.

“This is an exciting moment for the University of Namibia and Namibia as a whole to be part of this global
project to find innovative means to address the menace of plastic waste in our environment.”

On her part, Selma Lendelvo, head of Life Sciences Division of the Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, said: “This project is timely to contribute to the country’s efforts.”