Bekia wins startup label after turning 75,000 users into recycling champions
Bekia has facilitated the collection and recycling of more than 1,000 tons of waste, with over 9 million plastic bottles collected from Egyptian households.
EGYPT – Bekia Inc has received the Egyptian Startup Label, marking a major milestone for the Cairo-based waste management platform that has connected more than 75,000 users and collected hundreds of tons of recyclable waste since its founding in 2017.
The recognition highlights Bekia’s growing role in transforming waste management across Egypt by turning everyday waste into measurable value for individuals, businesses, and communities.
Founded by Alaa Afifi, the company has built a digital platform that allows users to request collection of plastics, paper, metals, used oil, and electronic waste through its mobile app, which has surpassed 50,000 downloads on the Play Store, or website.
Rewards That Drive Behavior Change
In return for recycling, users earn credits redeemable for shopping vouchers, groceries, mobile airtime, or even school fees.
The system is powered by geolocation technology that integrates collection requests into optimized routes, allowing the company to handle large volumes efficiently while ensuring materials re-enter the value chain.
Alaa Afifi, Bekia’s founder and CEO, explained that the platform primarily targets women in Egypt, since they typically manage household waste.
By empowering women, the company aims to leverage their role in waste disposal to combat environmental issues caused by poor waste management.
Measurable Impact and Funding Growth
Since 2020, Bekia has facilitated the collection and recycling of more than 1,000 tons of waste, with over 9 million plastic bottles collected from Egyptian households. Women account for approximately 80 percent of the platform’s user base.
The startup has raised US$2.55 million across multiple funding rounds, with investors including Orbit Ventures, Catalyst Fund, F6 Ventures, and Plug and Play End Plastic Waste Program.
Its most recent round closed in mid-2025, with additional backing from Oman Technology Fund and Flat6labs.
Strategic Partnerships Expand Reach
Bekia has collaborated with Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt’s leading private sector bank, to recycle shredded plastic bank cards, diverting waste that previously went to landfill.
Dr. Dalia AbdelKader, CIB’s Chief Sustainability Officer, noted that the initiative supports the bank’s journey to becoming net-zero by 2050.
The startup is also working with schools, government institutions, and private businesses to expand its reach and increase awareness around recycling.
These collaborations help embed sustainable practices into everyday life while providing organizations with tools to better manage their environmental impact.
Regional Recognition and Future Ambitions
Bekia was selected among 12 investor-ready ventures for the Africa Tech Summit Nairobi Investment Showcase in February 2026, highlighting its potential to scale across the continent.
The company is positioning itself to revolutionize waste management across Africa and the Middle East by connecting consumers and businesses with trusted recycling channels.
With more than 33 employees and headquarters in Cairo’s Giza Governorate, Bekia’s model demonstrates that environmental responsibility and economic value can go hand in hand.
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