Nigerian entrepreneur Ifedolapo Runsewe is making a mark by turning tyres into Gold. Waste management remains a substantial challenge for many African countries, the business demands considerable investment for effective solutions. Nigeria, with its substantial population, grapples with the issue of waste collection. Unsightly piles of waste are a common sight across villages, towns, and cities, posing potential health hazards. Disposal methods often involve burning tyres, which emit hazardous fumes into the air, or irresponsible abandonment in various locations.
Inherent in the African spirit is a tenacious entrepreneurship, often transforming meagre resources into abundant opportunities. While the drive for innovation and business is deeply rooted in the African mindset, the lack of adequate funding often poses a significant obstacle to the progress of entrepreneurs. Given the right financial backing, the potential for growth and success among determined African business minds is limitless.
Amidst this dynamic landscape, Nigerian entrepreneur Ifedolapo Runsewe identified a gap in the market, focusing on the recycling of worn-out tyres in Ibadan. Her business is a lucrative venture supplying products to the ever-growing Nigerian construction sector. Nigeria, the powerhouse of Africa with a population of 223,804,632 is a land of opportunities for innovative thinkers, the bigger the population poses challenges but for great businesses, the market is ripe.
Tyre disposal has long been a pressing environmental concern across the continent, often leading to eyesores in landfills and posing significant risks to the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature. Ifedolapo’s innovative company, Freetown Waste Management Recycle repurposes old tyes into paving bricks, floor tiles, and other high-demand goods in Nigeria. This innovative approach has garnered global attention, inspiring other companies to consider similar sustainable recycling practices.
In a recent interview with Reuters, Ifedolapo said that creating value from what would otherwise be discarded waste was a key motivator for starting her business. Her unwavering commitment to turning readily available waste into a thriving industry stands as a testament to her remarkable entrepreneurial foresight and another way of saving the environment.
Freetown Waste Management Recycle actively retrieves tyres from dumping sites, incentivising scavengers with a cash incentive ranging from 70 to 100 naira ($0.17-$0.24) per tire. Moreover, the company sources additional tyres directly from local car garages. This ingenious recycling initiative by Freetown prevents tire blockages in drains and the accumulation of unhygienic water, which could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Since its establishment in 2020, Freetown Waste Management Recycle has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its workforce from four to 128 employees. The company has successfully repurposed over 100,000 tyres, transforming them into a range of useful products, including speed bumps and soft paving for playgrounds.
Individuals like Ifedolapo Runsewe, known for their enterprising spirit and innovation, wield significant influence as change-makers in environmental preservation. Their commendable practice of repurposing used tyres into safe and environmentally friendly products deserves appreciation, and businesses like theirs are truly deserving of support.
