Sahara Group Champions Sustainable Communities Through Circular Economy Innovation

Sahara Group Foundation has strengthened its sustainability and circular economy agenda with the commissioning of its 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State. The initiative reflects the Group’s long-term commitment to responsible environmental stewardship, inclusive economic growth, and community empowerment through practical, people centred solutions.
The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative is designed to reduce landfill pressure by diverting recyclable waste back into productive use, while creating value for local households through waste to wealth opportunities. By expanding its recycling footprint into emerging urban communities such as Ibeju-Lekki, the Foundation is improving access to structured recycling systems and encouraging responsible waste disposal at the grassroots level.

A key sustainability feature of the new hub is its solar powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), the second of its kind within the Sahara Go network. The RVM allows residents to deposit recyclable materials and receive instant rewards, reinforcing positive environmental behaviour while integrating clean energy and innovation into community-based recycling. This approach aligns environmental protection with economic incentives, ensuring sustainability initiatives remain inclusive and impactful.
Speaking at the commissioning, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, described the hub as a platform for dignity, livelihoods, and environmental responsibility. She emphasised that bringing structured recycling closer to communities empowers residents to actively protect their environment while generating income. Local government leaders echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hub’s alignment with Ibeju-Lekki’s development priorities, climate action goals, and job creation efforts.
Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 660 tonnes of recyclable waste, facilitated more than ₦93 million in payouts, and supported over 1,700 households across Lagos with alternative income streams. Through strategic partnerships, clean energy solutions, and strong community engagement, Sahara Group Foundation continues to demonstrate how CSR-driven interventions can deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic value building sustainable communities today while safeguarding the future.

The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, positioning recycling as both an environmental responsibility and an economic opportunity. Through its EXTRApreneurship model, Sahara Group Foundation aims to equip communities with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to turn everyday waste into sustainable livelihoods.Partners at the event underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability outcomes. The Chief Executive Officer of Ecobarter, Rita Idehai, noted that the partnership with Sahara Group Foundation demonstrates how private sector expertise and community engagement can combine to deliver scalable, high impact recycling solutions. By ensuring communities directly benefit from sustainability initiatives, the programme strengthens local ownership and long-term participation.With strong community buy-in, innovative technology, and measurable impact, the Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki represents a replicable CSR model for circular economy development. It highlights how corporate social investment can go beyond compliance to create shared value driving environmental protection, climate action, and inclusive economic growth for present and future generations.