Some of the world’s most well-known business magnates are ecopreneurs. Elon Musk is probably the greatest example of a green business celebrity. As Elon Musk becomes more and more of a household name, electric vehicle sales continue to rise home and solar panels are lining more roofs. He got his start in a 90s software startup that was not ultimately related to sustainability, but it’s clear from his ambitious business ventures that human sustainability has been his primary concern since at least his college years.
The STUDENT ECOSUPPORTER FOOTBALL For The Goals Ambassadors initiative by GEN Benin in collaboration with AgendART 2030 Coalition and Non-Profit Organisation FORAM Initiatives has been strengthening the eco-awareness and entrepreneurial education of university students in 3 campuses. Participants are students who have business ideas and are fans of football. They take part in an environmental and educational programme giving them the tools and knowledge to develop sustainable solutions to reduce plastic and promote a circular economy.
Since the launch of this programme in 2023, the initiative has offered over 1, 500 students the chance to experiment with business models, developing innovative proposals towards a more sustainable future.
Very large events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Football World Cup, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Basketball World Cup, the Volleyball World Cup, the Handball World Cup, the Africa University Sports, the West African University Games (WAUG) and the CAF African Schools Football Championship, etc., which last several days or weeks, generate unusual waste production or energy consumption due to the millions of people who visit their sites on the occasions.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, a major sporting event produces approximately 750,000 plastic bottles. Abandoned in nature or carried by the wind, this waste ends up in the hinterland, along roadsides and hiking trails, and ultimately generates enormous amounts of carbon.
Plastic pollution and climate change significantly impact entrepreneurs' health and their businesses. Increased health issues stemming from plastic pollution can lead to decreased productivity and higher healthcare costs, while the effects of climate change can disrupt supply chains, increase operational costs, and negatively impact consumer demand.
This environmental impact can be avoided, limited, or offset. Entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to the fight against plastic pollution and climate change by developing innovative solutions, promoting sustainable practices, and driving positive environmental impact. This includes creating eco-friendly products, implementing sustainable packaging, and engaging in community-based initiatives.
The STUDENT ECOSUPPORTER FOOTBALL For The Goals Ambassadors initiative aims at training student entrepreneurs to become environmental-conscious and integrate sustainable practices into their solutions.
They participate in zero plastic waste awareness creation campaigns on stadiums and other sports venues.
By doing this, we will succeed in buidlding the next eco-entrepreneurs of tomorrow.