Sahara Group Foundation partners Plan International on recycling, empowerment
Sopuruchi Onwuka
Sahara Group Foundation has declared partnership with Plan International Nigeria to deepen social inclusion and community-led waste recycling initiatives aimed at driving climate action and economic empowerment.
The Foundation, the social responsibility arm of Sahara Group, said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plan International Nigeria on the Sahara Go Recycling Project.
The partnership combines Sahara Group Foundation’s waste-to-wealth expertise with Plan International’s global leadership in child rights, gender equality and community development. It reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment and social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable children, young people and women.
Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, described the collaboration as a strong intersection of climate action and human development.
“Sahara Go Recycling was conceived in 2021 as more than an environmental initiative. It is a deliberate platform for inclusion, dignity and sustainable livelihoods,” she said. “Designed to unlock economic opportunity at the grassroots, the initiative transforms waste into value while creating pathways for income generation and enterprise.
“Our partnership with Plan International strengthens this vision by placing empowerment and resilience at the core of our approach, ensuring that environmental responsibility translates into lasting economic value, social inclusion and shared prosperity for households and communities.”
Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Charles Usie, said the partnership aligns with the organisation’s vision for girls and their communities.
“When environmental action is intentionally designed to create livelihoods, dignity and economic empowerment, girls are better positioned to learn, build skills and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities,” he said.
He added that Plan International is excited to work with Sahara Group Foundation to ensure that initiatives such as Sahara Go Recycling turn climate responsibility into practical action that enables girls to build skills and secure their futures.
Director of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation at Plan International Nigeria, Sheila Ojei, said the partnership places strong emphasis on gender equity and inclusion.
“Our shared vision is to ensure that young people, particularly girls, can thrive in safe, healthy and supportive environments,” she said. “At least 60 percent of participants are expected to be adolescent girls, with safeguarding and accountability embedded in how economic and environmental opportunities are delivered.”
Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the collaboration reflects the company’s broader sustainability philosophy.
“At Sahara Group, sustainability is about people as much as systems,” he said. “This partnership reinforces our belief that environmental solutions must deliver social value. By aligning Sahara Go Recycling with Plan International’s development expertise, we are creating a model where climate responsibility directly improves lives and livelihoods.”
Sahara Go Recycling is one of four flagship projects of Sahara Group Foundation. According to the company, the waste-to-wealth initiative is designed to empower communities by converting recyclable waste into economic value, while promoting environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
The Foundation said the partnership builds on its track record of deploying innovative and scalable solutions that link enterprise development, environmental stewardship and social impact, while leveraging Sahara Group’s culture of excellence and innovation.
