OceanHub Africa, Coca-Cola Foundation launch $120,000 challenge to fight plastic waste

OceanHub Africa, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, has unveiled a $120,000 pan-African innovation challenge to tackle plastic pollution.

The initiative, called the Call for Bold Ideas in Plastic Circularity, invites scientists, startups, and innovators across Africa to submit scalable solutions that move beyond the concept stage into commercially viable ventures.

Applications are open until February 15, 2026, with selected participants receiving funding, mentorship, and market-entry support through OceanHub Africa’s venture builder framework. The program aims to recycle at least 490 tons of plastic waste and create over 150 sustainable livelihoods in coastal and urban communities.

Herland Cerveaux, OceanHub Africa’s managing director, said the goal is to ensure breakthrough ideas become scalable businesses delivering tangible results. Jeff Denby, senior director of recycling value chains at The Coca-Cola Foundation, emphasised the importance of combining environmental preservation with economic inclusion.

With Africa projected to generate over 200 million tons of solid waste annually by 2030, the challenge seeks to harness innovation to build a more sustainable circular economy.

Interested applicants can submit entries via application portal.