At Upcycle Africa, we’re more than just a social enterprise—we’re a movement committed to transforming Africa’s waste crisis into sustainable solutions. Since our establishment in December 2015, our mission has been to turn plastic waste into valuable resources like eco-friendly building materials while empowering marginalized communities.
Our Roots
Founded by Johnmary Kavuma and David Monday after mentorship from the Social Innovation Academy (SINA), we’re based in Mpigi Town, Uganda. Guided by the motto “Waste to Wealth”, we strive to create a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for all.
Numbers
Our Impact
Houses Constructed
Plastic waste Recycled
Jobs Created
Awards Winning
Our work tackles some of the most pressing challenges of our time:
Plastic Waste Crisis:
Globally, 91% of plastic waste remains unrecycled, with 12.7 million tonnes polluting our oceans every year. In Uganda, 600 tons of plastic waste are mismanaged.
Housing Deficit:
Uganda has a 2.4 million housing shortage, leaving many without safe shelter. Among them, 1.5 million refugees urgently need sustainable, affordable homes.
Youth Unemployment:
With 4.5 million young people unemployed in Uganda, we are tackling this crisis by creating green jobs through recycling, upcycling, entrepreneurship and innovation.
We empower communities to reimagine plastic waste as a catalyst for positive change
Upcycle Africa has constructed eco-friendly homes in multiple African countries, including:
Through our labor-based approach, we provide marginalized groups with skills to repurpose waste, fostering sustainability and self-reliance.
Uganda
Nigeria
Tanzania
Ghana
South Africa
Zimbabwe

Marco Lambertini - WWF International
"Not only are plastics polluting our oceans and waterways and killing marine life – it's in all of us and we can't escape consuming plastics.”
At Upcycle Africa, our work is driven by a strong set of core values that shape every decision, project, and interaction. These principles define who we are, guide our approach, and ensure we stay true to our mission of transforming waste into wealth.
Efficiency
We prioritize smart, innovative solutions to maximize resources and achieve meaningful impact. From waste collection to construction, we ensure every effort is effective and results-driven.
Integrity
Honesty and transparency are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in building trust with our communities, partners, and stakeholders through ethical practices.
Innovation
Creativity fuels our mission. We are constantly rethinking traditional methods to find groundbreaking ways to address environmental and social challenges.
Customer Service
We place people at the center of our operations, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to the needs of communities while delivering exceptional value to our clients and beneficiaries.
Community Partnership
Collaboration is key to achieving long-term impact. We work hand-in-hand with local communities, governments, and organizations to create inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Public Education
We believe in empowering communities through knowledge. By spreading awareness and teaching sustainable practices, we inspire others to join us in our fight against the waste crisis.

Help us create a better future for communities and the planet: But we’re just getting started! Join us as a team member, mentor, or partner, or support our programs with a donation. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener future.
Our work is powered by the generosity and collaboration of our incredible partners. Together, we transform waste into wealth and lives into success stories.




