By: Mandy Park
Anambra State is set to host its maiden Green Enterprise and Circular Economy Festival on June 5, 2026, in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, in a move aimed at transforming waste into economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development.
The one-day event, organised by SWEEP Foundation NG in partnership with the Anambra State Government and the Anambra Waste Recyclers Association, is expected to attract over 500 participants, including policymakers, investors, environmental experts, entrepreneurs, and development partners.
With Anambra generating more than 2,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily—of which less than 15 per cent is recycled—the festival will spotlight innovative approaches to waste management, particularly the conversion of waste into raw materials for manufacturing and job creation.
Describing the initiative as a catalyst for economic and environmental transformation, the Festival Director of SWEEP Foundation NG said the event would serve as “a marketplace for ideas, partnerships, and capital,” noting that the circular economy presents viable employment opportunities for young people while addressing environmental challenges.
The festival will feature a Green Enterprise Expo showcasing over 50 exhibitors, alongside a policy roundtable on Extended Producer Responsibility involving regulators such as National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and industry stakeholders.
Other highlights include a Youth Pitch Arena for 20 emerging startups, live demonstrations from SWEEP’s Material Recovery Facility, and a Financial Inclusion Forum connecting green entrepreneurs with banks and fintech institutions.
Key participants expected at the event include the Anambra State Ministry of Environment, The Coca-Cola Company, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Access Bank Plc, as well as manufacturers and development partners. International experts are also billed to participate virtually.
Organisers say the festival aims to facilitate at least 10 offtake agreements between manufacturers and recyclers, support the emergence of 25 new youth-led green enterprises, and position Anambra as a leading circular economy hub in Southeast Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader environmental sustainability goals and global commitments to reduce waste and carbon emissions, particularly under the framework of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Registration for the event is free for students and youth entrepreneurs, with interested participants encouraged to sign up via the foundation’s website.
SWEEP Foundation NG is a youth-led non-profit organisation focused on advancing circular economy solutions through initiatives such as its Material Recovery Facility, CoSo Hub, and Green Vault model.
The organisation processes over 15 tonnes of waste monthly while equipping young people with skills in green enterprise and sustainability.
