Tosin Idowu

Nigerian environmental entrepreneur transforming plastic waste into building materials

Tosin Idowu is a Nigerian innovator whose company EcoConcrete Solutions is revolutionizing waste management in West Africa. Launched in 2020, the startup converts 10 tons of ocean plastic daily into durable construction materials. Its signature product, 'PlasticBrick', has been used to build over 500 low-cost housing units in Lagos slums while creating 300+ jobs in coastal communities.

Idowu's closed-loop system pioneered partnerships with UNEP and World Resources Institute, expanding operations to Ghana and Senegal by 2024. Her 'Blue Economy' model was highlighted at the 2023 COP28 summit, where Nigeria committed $50 million to scale such initiatives. A key innovation came in 2022 with 'SolarWalls' - building panels that generate electricity while sequestering CO2.

Through educational programs like Youth4Waste, Idowu has trained 15,000+ youth in plastic recycling techniques. Her TED Talk "Plastic: From Problem to Profit" has inspired similar ventures in Kenya and Ivory Coast. By addressing environmental and economic challenges simultaneously, she's redefining sustainable development in coastal Africa.