In Tanzania, waste is more than a disposal problem, it is a potential source of economic growth and environmental sustainability. Each day, households in the country generate thousands of tons of waste, much of its plastics, textiles, and organic matter, contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and lost economic value. Recognizing this challenge as an opportunity, HUDEFO, with funding from 10 Billion Strong, implemented the Emerging Circular Economy Fellowship 2025, a seven-month program aimed at transforming young Tanzanian leaders into agents of sustainable economic change.
Launched on July 29, 2025, at the American Corner in Dar es Salaam, the fellowship brought together over 60 stakeholders, including government officials, environmentalists, media practitioners, and entrepreneurs. The launch underscored the program’s key message: “waste is not just a problem, but a valuable resource and economic opportunity.” Participants signed a Circular Economy Commitment Board, publicly pledging to apply circular economy principles in their communities.
The fellowship targeted young changemakers aged 18–25, selected from over 113 applicants, resulting in a cohort of 50 fellows, of which 35 successfully completed the program. Participants engaged in a blended learning approach, combining online modules through the Green Leaders Academy (GLA), live virtual workshops, mentorship, and hands-on mini-grant projects. Online training and workshops provided foundational knowledge and practical tools. Over 15 GLA modules, fellows explored topics ranging from circular economy principles and environmental conservation to leadership, advocacy, and social innovation. Three live online workshops reinforced real-world application.
Through surveys and reflective sessions, fellows reported a significant shift in mindset. One participant noted, “I now see plastics, textiles, and even organic waste not as rubbish, but as materials I can transform into products that generate income and improve my community.” Fellows also recognized the dual benefit of circular economy practices: reducing environmental pollution while creating employment opportunities for youth.
The mini-grant projects allowed participants to put their learning into practice. Notable initiatives included:
• Loopforward Group: Hosted a Youth and Women Circular Economy Bootcamp, training 30 additional participants on applying circular practices in daily life and small businesses.
• Renew and Reuse Group: Designed and produced 30 reusable packaging items (tote bags) from textile scraps, offering alternatives to single-use plastics.
• Neoplast Circulators: Collected Street litter and transformed it into 45 marketable items, including bracelets and table mats.
• The Green Colab: Upcycled 45 plastic bottles into decorative and functional household items including keychain, and flowers which helps in raising awareness of plastic pollution and earning special recognition for innovation.
These projects delivered measurable impact: communities benefited from cleaner environments, youth gained entrepreneurial skills, and small-scale products generated additional income streams. As one fellow reflected, “Through the fellowship, I realized that real change starts with my own actions, and I can inspire others to do the same.”
The program culminated in a final symposium and graduation ceremony on November 21, 2025, at Mwenge Complex Hall, with 51 participants, including graduates, government representatives, NGOs, and media. The symposium showcased fellows’ products and highlighted the broader community impact of their initiatives. Guest speakers emphasized immediate action, courage, and commitment, with Mr. Nassib Kitabu, Director of JUZA, stating: “True change begins the moment you decide to act. Do not wait for the ideal time or resources—start with what you have, where you are.”
Beyond individual achievements, the fellowship strengthened networks between NGOs, government, media, and private sector actors, laying the groundwork for sustained circular economy initiatives in Tanzania. Graduates are now equipped to mentor future cohorts, advocate for supportive policies, and expand their waste-to-wealth initiatives to reach more communities.
HUDEFO recommends continued investment in the fellowship, ongoing mentorship, inclusive programming for all age groups, and public engagement to raise awareness about the economic and environmental value of waste. As the 2025 cohort demonstrates, empowering youth with knowledge, resources, and confidence can turn waste into a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
