Hassan Aden

Founder of a plastic recycling company transforming waste into sustainable building materials in Somalia

Hassan Aden is a visionary entrepreneur from Mogadishu, Somalia, who pioneered the conversion of plastic waste into durable construction materials through his company Plastic Revolution. Launched in 2015 during Somalia's post-conflict reconstruction phase, his innovation addresses two critical challenges: environmental degradation from plastic pollution and the lack of affordable building materials. By developing a patented process to compress plastic waste into interlocking bricks, he created a cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks that require scarce wood for firing. His company has diverted over 200 tons of plastic from landfills while creating jobs in a region with 70% youth unemployment.

Aden's work has been featured in BBC Africa and the UN Environment Programme. His methodology has inspired replication in Kenya and Ethiopia, proving that circular economy solutions can thrive in fragile states. A TEDx speaker at Mogadishu University (2018), he emphasizes how environmental stewardship can foster economic stability in conflict zones.