A plastic bottle./PHOTO; Courtesy
OceanHub Africa, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, has opened applications for the Plastic Waste Innovation Initiative, a funding programme offering $120,000 to support solutions that reduce plastic pollution.
The call targets innovators developing practical approaches to plastic waste management, with applications open until 15 February 2026.
Plastic pollution continues to strain ecosystems and waste systems across Africa, particularly in fast-growing urban and coastal areas where infrastructure has not kept pace with consumption.
By supporting innovations that can move beyond pilots into real-world use, the initiative aims to close critical gaps in plastic waste reduction efforts while strengthening Africa’s environmental innovation landscape.
What the Initiative Supports
The Plastic Waste Innovation Initiative is designed to accelerate solutions that address plastic waste across different stages of its lifecycle.
Rather than focusing on a single intervention, the programme supports a range of approaches that contribute to reduced plastic leakage and improved resource use.
Eligible solutions may focus on: Reducing or preventing plastic waste, Reuse and refill systems that limit single-use plastics, Recycling and upcycling technologies, Alternative materials and packaging, and community-based waste collection and management models.
Selected innovators will receive financial support from the $120,000 funding pool and gain access to OceanHub Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
This includes mentorship, peer learning, and visibility opportunities intended to help solutions mature and scale.
Who Can Apply
The initiative is open to individuals and organisations working on plastic waste solutions, regardless of location, provided their work demonstrates relevance and impact potential.
Eligible applicants include: Scientists and researchers, startups and early-stage companies, environmental entrepreneurs and innovators, and impact-driven teams working on plastic waste reduction
Applicants are expected to present a clear problem statement and an actionable solution with the potential to deliver environmental and social benefits.
Both early-stage and growth-stage innovations are eligible, provided they demonstrate a pathway toward real-world application.
Selection Criteria and Application Process
Applications will be assessed based on their ability to deliver tangible impact and scale effectively. The selection process prioritises solutions that combine innovation with feasibility.
Key selection criteria include:
Clarity of the plastic waste challenge being addressed, demonstrated environmental and community impact, technical and operational feasibility, scalability or potential for replication, alignment with circular economy principles
Applicants submit proposals outlining their solution, impact potential, and implementation approach.
Submissions are reviewed by the initiative’s selection team, with successful applicants awarded funding and access to support resources.
Reducing plastic waste has implications beyond environmental protection.
The OceanHub Africa Plastic Waste Innovation Initiative reflects growing collaboration between environmental innovators and philanthropic partners seeking practical responses to plastic pollution.
For innovators working on sustainable materials, waste systems, or community-driven solutions, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen impact and move ideas closer to scale.
For more information visit OceanHub Africa
Applications close on 15 February 2026.
About OceanHub Africa
OceanHub Africa is a non-profit innovation platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and organisations developing solutions to ocean and environmental challenges, with a strong focus on plastic pollution, circular economy, and sustainable livelihoods.
The organisation works to identify, fund, and accelerate high-impact innovations by connecting innovators to capital, technical support, mentorship, and global networks.
Through partnerships with philanthropic foundations, private sector actors, and development partners, OceanHub Africa aims to scale locally relevant solutions that protect ecosystems while creating social and economic value for communities across Africa and beyond.
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