Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Pioneered e-waste recycling initiatives transforming Ghana's environmental landscape

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah is a Ghanaian environmental engineer and entrepreneur whose work has revolutionized electronic waste management in West Africa. Born in Accra in 1987, she witnessed firsthand the environmental devastation caused by improper disposal of electronic waste, which became a major crisis after Ghana became a dumping ground for e-waste from developed nations.

In 2020, she launched Recycle Ghana, a social enterprise that pioneered a circular economy model for e-waste. Her innovative approach combines community education with advanced recycling technology, recovering valuable materials like gold and copper while reducing toxic pollution. By 2023, her initiatives had processed over 15,000 tons of e-waste and created 300 green jobs.

Her work gained international recognition through partnerships with the UN Environment Programme and TEDx Accra speaking engagements. In 2022, she co-founded the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), connecting 200+ startups across the continent. Ekwow's most impactful contribution is the E-Waste Education Curriculum implemented in 50+ Ghanaian schools, teaching children sustainable consumption practices.

Her advocacy led to Ghana's 2024 Electronic Waste Management Act, which mandates recycling standards for tech companies operating in the country. Ekwow's vision extends to creating Africa's first e-waste-to-energy plant, currently under construction near Kumasi. This project, featured in National Geographic's 2025 climate issue, will convert 2 tons of e-waste daily into renewable energy.