In a strategic push to support sustainable development and circular economy practices in West Africa, Transform West Africa—an impact-focused accelerator jointly established by Unilever, the United Kingdom Government, and EY—has disbursed £500,000 in grant funding to five standout startups across the region. The selected enterprises are actively engaged in initiatives that promote recycling in Nigeria and foster regenerative agricultural practices.
This funding announcement was formally celebrated during a recognition event hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos. It spotlighted the role of innovation in addressing environmental and economic challenges. The five awardees were chosen for their potential to deliver scalable, community-rooted solutions that can drive sustainable change in waste management and resource use.
Beyond financial assistance, these startups will benefit from a comprehensive support framework provided by Unilever and EY. This includes business advisory services, practical field experience, access to operational resources, and integration into a broader innovation network designed to help scale their solutions and increase long-term impact.
The Transform initiative, led globally from the UK, structured its West African rollout with a localized approach. Representatives from Unilever Nigeria, the British High Commission, and EY Nigeria collaborated closely to assess and select participants. This local engagement ensured the process remained grounded in regional context and relevant social dynamics. With more than 100 applications received, the final selection represents some of the most promising players in Nigeria’s recycling and sustainability sector.
