Rita Idehai is Championing Environmental Sustainability and Social Empowerment in Nigeria

She is the founder and CEO of Ecobarter, a social enterprise transforming waste management in Nigeria by enabling individuals and households to live waste-free.

Through her innovative initiatives, Rita is at the forefront of tackling the mounting waste crisis in Nigeria while empowering marginalized communities.

With a background in geosciences, Rita’s interest in sustainability stems from her understanding of the critical intersection between the environment, technology, and human well-being.

She founded Ecobarter in 2018 to solve the persistent issue of waste mismanagement in Nigeria.

The enterprise addresses the growing environmental degradation caused by improper disposal of recyclable materials such as plastics, cans, and paper.

Ecobarter operates through a technology-enabled platform that allows households to schedule doorstep pickups for their recyclable waste.

In exchange, users earn points based on the weight and type of waste they contribute. These points can then be redeemed for cash, essential products, or services, creating a circular economy that incentivizes sustainable living.

Rita’s work goes beyond waste collection, having spearheaded the development of Nigeria’s first indigenous Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

These automated devices issue instant credits to reward consumers for recycling used beverage containers, such as plastic bottles and cans.

This groundbreaking innovation not only enhances recycling infrastructure in urban areas but also encourages public participation in environmental conservation.

Her initiatives empower internally displaced women and informal waste pickers, providing them with income opportunities, skills training, and dignified working conditions.

Nigeria generates millions of tons of waste annually, much of which is improperly disposed of, leading to environmental pollution, public health hazards, and economic losses.

Rita Idehai is determined to change this narrative by creating a culture of responsible consumption and recycling.

Her groundbreaking efforts have earned her national and international recognition, including the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA), 2024.