Josephat Mutua

A Ugandan environmental activist who pioneered innovative solutions to plastic pollution and inspired global eco-consciousness.

Josephat Mutua is a Ugandan environmentalist and public speaker renowned for his groundbreaking work in combating plastic pollution. Born in 1984 in rural Kenya, Mutua's journey began with his childhood fascination with nature and early exposure to environmental degradation. In 2011, he co-founded Tema Talks, an organization focused on environmental education and community-driven solutions. His most impactful initiative, Plastic Free Africa, launched in 2020, has mobilized over 500,000 volunteers across 15 African countries to combat plastic waste through recycling workshops and policy advocacy.

Mutua gained international recognition in 2022 when he delivered a viral TED Talk (Plastic Waste Is Killing Africa's Futures), which has been viewed over 3 million times. He pioneered the 'Plastic to Gold' initiative, transforming discarded plastic into affordable building materials for low-income communities. This innovation was featured in National Geographic's 2023 documentary series Planet or Plastic?. In 2024, he received the prestigious Global Green Hero Award for his work.

His advocacy extends to policy change - Mutua's lobbying contributed to Uganda's 2021 ban on single-use plastics. He collaborates with organizations like UNEP and Greenpeace, while mentoring young activists through his Eco-Leaders Academy. Mutua's approach combines grassroots mobilization with technological innovation, exemplified by his solar-powered recycling hubs launched in 2023. His work has inspired similar initiatives in South America and Asia, proving that local solutions can have global impact.