A 25-year-old entrepreneur Chisomo Ezra Chilembwe from Lilongwe is doing waste management in Malawi by recycling plastic to make plastic bricks.
The Bachelor of Commerce, Business Information Systems graduate from Malawi Assemblies of God University, conceived the idea during the 2020 lockdown. Inspired by a Kenyan entrepreneur’s YouTube video, he saw an opportunity to tackle Malawi’s plastic waste problem.
Through the Zantchito Entrepreneurship Programme, Chilembwe refined his concept, he spent most of 2023 developing working prototypes, gathering customer feedback, and perfecting his product.
“In our country the plastics are everywhere you can go, which they are polluting our environment so as one way of protecting the environment I thought about this and am glad it’s working,” he said.
Currently operating solo, Chilembwe plans to go full throttle by February 2025 and create jobs for plastic collection and brick production.
“My vision extends beyond plastic bricks, I want to recycle discarded materials like clothing fabrics, metals, electronics, and organic waste, tapping into the untapped recycling market and promoting environmental sustainability,” he said.
Chilembwe’s innovative interlocking bricks are ideal for driveways, sidewalks and construction, he has so far produced 15 prototypes, showcasing them to potential customers to refine his product.
“The feedback I have received is overwhelming and people are eagerly waiting on the Market, and the good thing is I have registered with the Malawi government,” he said.
Meanwhile, environmental activist Maloto Chinkombero has praised Chilembwe’s initiative to fight climate change.
“Chisomo’s innovative approach to plastic waste management is a game-changer for Malawi. We need more entrepreneurs like him to address the plastic pollution crisis and promote sustainable practices,” added Chinkombero.
