In the bustling streets of Freetown, plastic waste is an all-too-common sight. But for Mariatu Kamara, 32, this environmental challenge represented a business opportunity.
Two years ago, Mariatu founded EcoBuild SL, a social enterprise that collects plastic waste and transforms it into durable, affordable building materials including roofing tiles, paving blocks, and fence posts.
The Journey:
“I noticed two problems simultaneously,” Mariatu explains. “Plastic waste choking our drains and communities, and a shortage of affordable construction materials for low-income families. I realized one problem could solve the other.”
Starting with personal savings of Le 5 million and a small collection center in Wellington, Mariatu developed a simple process:
- Collection of plastic waste from communities and beaches
- Sorting and cleaning
- Shredding and mixing with sand
- Molding into construction products
Impact and Growth:
Today, EcoBuild SL:
- Employs 15 full-time staff (60% women)
- Recycles over 5 tons of plastic monthly
- Supplies materials to 20+ construction sites
- Partners with 5 community waste collection groups
Challenges and Lessons:
“Access to finance was our biggest hurdle,” Mariatu shares. “Traditional banks didn’t understand our business model. We eventually secured a small grant from a development partner, which was catalytic.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Start small, prove your concept, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are more resources available than you might think.”
EcoBuild SL is now exploring expansion to other cities and developing new products from recycled materials.