About this project

SMART Waste to Wealth is an inclusive youth-led initiative developed by E.C.E.M ZEROWaste Creations Ltd to address urban waste pollution and youth unemployment through innovative circular economy practices. Using a mobile-friendly application, the project enables households and small businesses to subscribe to regular waste collection, learn source sorting through gamified education, and earn rewards for proper waste separation. The waste collected is transformed into eco-products such as paving bricks, bioplastic packaging, and organic compost for farming.

Piloted in Tiko and Limbe (Cameroon), the initiative directly empowers local youth and women as Green Agents, creates jobs, promotes environmental stewardship, and reduces public health risks caused by unmanaged waste. The app includes a real-time dashboard for data collection and supports municipalities with insights for better sanitation planning. The model is replicable, low-cost, and designed to scale across similar communities in Cameroon and Africa.

Goals and Objectives

The main goal is to build a tech-driven, community-centered waste management model that reduces pollution and improves livelihoods.

1. To engage 500 households in sorting and recycling waste through app-based education.
2. To collect and process at least 20 tons of plastic and organic waste within 12 months.
3. To train and employ at least 20 youth and women as Green Agents.
4. To generate compost and eco-bricks for local farming and construction.
5. To promote a model replicable in other urban centers.

Target beneficiaries include urban poor households, informal waste workers, and unemployed youth and women. The impact will continue post-funding through local subscription fees, sale of recycled products, and municipal partnerships.

Expected result
  1. 500+ households subscribed to the SMART waste app within 12 months.
  2. 20+ youth/women trained and employed as Green Agents.
  3. 20+ tons of plastic and organic waste collected, sorted, and recycled.
  4. 5,000+ kg of compost produced and distributed to local farmers.
  5. 3,000+ eco-bricks manufactured and distributed.
  6. 1,000+ app interactions in environmental education games.
  7. 3 new neighborhoods prepared for replication within Year 2.
  8. At least 2 municipal authorities engaged in data-sharing for policy use.
About me / organisation
ELAD JOB MBONG`

The project is led by Elad Job Mbong, a Cameroonian youth leader, social innovator, and environmental advocate. He is the Founder and Team Lead of E.C.E.M ZEROWaste Creations Ltd and brings over 7 years of experience in logistics, community development, and project coordination. Elad has led multiple youth-focused initiatives in water, sanitation, and renewable energy, including the Safe Water Project in Mamfe and the Bring Light Solar Project. Passionate about sustainability and digital inclusion, he oversees the strategic vision of the SMART Waste to Wealth project, manages cross-sector partnerships, and ensures inclusive youth and community participation. Elad is supported by a team of trained Green Agents, technical advisors, and partner organizations.