Why Politics is Key to Unlocking Africa's Tech Dream

Discover How Feexet is Transforming Nigeria Through Tech and Community Efforts

Update A New Era of Grassroots Change: Inside Feexet In Nigeria, a staggering 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, much of which plagues streets, waterways, and landfills. Concurrently, many young Nigerians find themselves underemployed, alienated from exciting opportunities in tech and creative industries. These seemingly separate issues are intertwined, and social enterprise Feexet seeks to address both challenges simultaneously. Feexet stands out as a catalyst for grassroots change by implementing innovative strategies that interweave technology and community engagement. With a focus on design and local action, Feexet tackles urgent environmental issues and champions digital education, proving that community-driven solutions can be potent agents of transformation. CleanSweep: Empowering Communities to Combat Waste At the forefront of Feexet's efforts is their CleanSweep project, which transcends ordinary neighborhood clean-ups. It fosters a strong sense of accountability among community members. Residents report polluted areas, and in response, Feexet mobilizes volunteers, providing them with tools to sort and manage waste effectively. Christopher Balogun, a co-founder of Feexet, describes CleanSweep as more than a maintenance initiative: "We wanted to build a culture of ownership around public spaces." The recently launched app not only organizes clean-ups but also rewards volunteers for their dedication. Impressively, CleanSweep has already cleared over 2,000 kg of waste, transforming urban landscapes and encouraging collective responsibility. Techquity: Bridging the Digital Divide In parallel, Feexet's Techquity program aims to equip young Nigerians with essential tech skills. Launched in 2023, this initiative offers free, practical training in fields like UI/UX design and web development. The first cohort produced impressive results, with many participants finding jobs or engaging in internships. This innovative program is now in its second phase, boasting over 200 participants and emphasizing peer collaboration and mentorship. Techquity not only builds technical skills but enhances confidence and community, showcasing how business ventures can empower the next generation of tech talent in Africa. The Future of Tech and Environmental Activism in Nigeria Feexet's holistic approach embodies a future where social enterprises can lead the charge in addressing pressing societal issues through technology and community engagement. As the conversation around AI, fintech, and digital transformation in Africa continues to grow, initiatives like CleanSweep and Techquity showcase that grassroots efforts are a pivotal component of this narrative. Investing in such social enterprises not only enriches the fabric of local communities but also fuels the momentum towards a sustainable future for Africa. As tech entrepreneurs and investors set their sights on opportunities within this evolving landscape, understanding the interplay of community initiatives, environmental stewardship, and digital empowerment becomes vital.