Moustapha Gueye

Senegalese environmental pioneer transforming plastic waste into affordable building materials

Moustapha Gueye (b. 1950) is a visionary environmentalist from Saint-Louis, Senegal, who pioneered the recycling of plastic waste into affordable construction materials. Starting in the 1990s with a small workshop, he developed innovative methods to convert discarded plastic into durable tiles and roof panels. His work addresses dual challenges: reducing ocean pollution and providing affordable housing materials in West Africa.

Gueye's techniques have been adopted across Senegal and neighboring countries. His BBC-documented processes create materials that withstand harsh climates while diverting thousands of tons of plastic from landfills. Collaborations with NGOs like Greenpeace Africa have expanded his impact.

Though no films exist about him yet, his story is featured in the documentary series Africa's Plastic Revolution (2020) available on Netflix.