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Two researchers from ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Leicester (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ) have travelled to the world’s most important climate and sustainability event – COP29 – to take their work on tackling plastic waste to African government representatives.

Researchers Professor Oyinlola and Abi Okoya at Cop 29 in Azerbaijan

Silifat Abimbola Okoya, known as Abi, is a Researcher in Sustainable Development at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, specialising in the circular economy and quality education. She is joined by Muyiwa Oyinlola, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development and a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

They are at COP29 – which this year is being hosted in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan – as part of a consortium with the University of Warwick to reveal more about the Garbage In Value Out (GIVO) project.

GIVO centres in Nigeria are set up as community hubs to pick up plastic waste from residents and process it into recyclable products.

 The centres use digital tools to ensure the operation is smart and efficient and can track how much waste is being processed.

The initiative reduces environmental pollution but also improves livelihoods by offering financial incentives for materials taken to the hub for recycling.

Prof Oyinlola and Abi Okoya with co-chair of UN-Energy Damilola Ogunbiyi

Professor Oyinlola said: “Our main focus is engaging with stakeholders to share our findings on transitioning to a circular economy in Africa.

“We aim to present our research to policymakers, gain insights from stakeholders and understand how we can better support their needs with future projects.

“Alongside discussions with Nigerian stakeholders, where GIVO is concentrated, we will hold bilateral talks with representatives from the governments of Namibia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, and Namibia to strengthen the impact of our ongoing work across these nations.”