SWEEP Foundation launches 2025 Lagos community waste challenge with Coca-Cola support

NIGERIA – The SWEEP Foundation has launched the Lagos Waste Challenge 2025, the second edition of its flagship community-driven waste management competition, with support from Coca-Cola Nigeria.

The initiative seeks to empower communities across Lagos State to design and implement creative, sustainable waste recovery and recycling projects.

Running from November 1 to 22, 2025, the competition invites Community Development Councils (CDCs) to showcase innovative approaches to tackling waste and promoting environmental stewardship at the grassroots level.

Building on the success of the 2024 maiden edition, where Egbe-Idimu LCDA emerged as champions, this year’s Challenge aims to deepen citizen participation and promote scalable waste management models across the state.

According to a statement from the Foundation, the competition “encourages communities to implement impactful waste recovery and recycling projects that promote environmental awareness and foster lasting change within their neighbourhoods.”

To further spur innovation, the 2025 edition features a ₦2 million prize pool, including ₦1 million for first place, ₦500,000 for second, ₦250,000 for third, and ₦50,000 each for five consolation winners.

SWEEP Foundation President Obuesi Phillips described the challenge as a catalyst for collective environmental responsibility rather than a contest alone.

“By harnessing the creativity and determination of our communities, we can transform waste management practices across Lagos State,” Phillips said.

“We are eager to see the innovative solutions our CDCs will present and confident this initiative will have a lasting impact.”

The winners will be announced at the Lagos Waste Forum on December 2–3, 2025, a high-level event bringing together policymakers, environmental advocates, and private sector partners to accelerate sustainability in Nigeria.

The Lagos Waste Challenge joins a growing number of grassroots sustainability competitions across Africa that promote behavioural change through local engagement.

Earlier this year, the Clean Abuja Project rewarded schools and youth groups for innovative recycling initiatives, while Rwanda’s EcoBrick Challenge encouraged communities to convert plastic waste into reusable construction materials.

Similarly, in Kenya, the Green Nairobi Initiative launched a ward-level recycling contest, mobilizing residents to turn waste into value.

With corporate partners like Coca-Cola Nigeria backing such initiatives, experts say community-led programs like the Lagos Waste Challenge are critical in advancing Nigeria’s circular economy, reducing pollution, and achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE