Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact arm of Sahara Group, has launched its 16th Sahara Go-Recycling Hub in Lekki, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in its push toward technology-enabled, community-driven waste management. The new hub features a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)—a first for the programme—designed to promote cleaner energy use while encouraging residents to recycle household waste for income.

The Lekki facility builds on the success of 15 existing hubs across Lagos and strengthens the Foundation’s efforts to embed circular-economy practices at the community level. According to the Foundation, the Go-Recycling Initiative has already collected more than 650 tonnes of recyclable waste, disbursed over N55 million to participants, and positively impacted more than 1,200 households.

“This hub represents a new path for innovation, economic opportunity, and community resilience,” said Chidilim Menakaya, director of Sahara Group Foundation. “By integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are showing how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life.”

L-R: Foluso Sobanjo, Director Downstream Africa, Sahara Group; Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation; Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director Sahara Group; Eniola Folami, Head Commercial, Asharami Synergy; Dr Tony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group.
Executive director of Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, emphasised the wider impact of the project, noting that the hub is not only improving recycling habits but also demonstrating how technology and community engagement can drive sustainable urban development.

The project is the result of a collaboration involving Sahara Group Foundation, Asharami Synergy, Sahara Group’s 2025 Graduate Management Trainees, and Eco Barter. Anthony Youdeowei, Board Trustee of Sahara Group Foundation and managing director of Sahara Power Group, described the partnership as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to practical, scalable sustainability solutions.

Representatives from both the Graduate Management Trainee cohort and Eco Barter said the initiative reinforces the value of collective action. “Seeing the hub’s impact—from promoting recycling habits to empowering the community—reinforces how small actions can drive real change,” said Elushade Oluwatumininu, while Rita Idehai, CEO of Eco Barter, highlighted how the partnership brings technology-driven recycling closer to residents.

Looking ahead, Sahara Group Foundation plans to extend the Go-Recycling network to more communities across Lagos and into other African markets. “With Lekki now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” Menakaya said, adding that future expansions will focus on building sustainable ecosystems through strategic collaboration and the Foundation’s EXTRApreneurship model.