African waste collectors earn cryptocurrency to support families with ReFi

Trash collectors in Africa are using cryptocurrency to support their families through regenerative finance projects. Jane Mago, a waste picker from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, explains that cleaning the environment is crucial to prevent the city from becoming too dirty. This reflects the broader environmental challenges facing Africa, from polluted oceans to poorly managed waste.

In response to these challenges, innovative projects are emerging across the African continent, using blockchain technology and regenerative finance to incentivize environmental restoration. These projects aim to make cleaning up the environment a profitable activity while also benefiting communities.

One such project is Aquapurge in Kenya, led by founder Ibrahim Aziz, which uses crypto incentives to support beach and ocean cleanups. Participants in cleanup activities earn rewards that can be exchanged for cash or used in eco-friendly markets. Through initiatives like this, over 5,400 kilograms of waste have been collected, making a tangible impact on coastal communities.

Meanwhile, in Tanzania, Chatafisha, co-founded by David Machuche, is tackling water pollution by incentivizing waste collection and recycling. Waste pickers like Jane Mago earn cryptocurrency for collecting plastic waste, which can be converted into local currency. Machuche notes that participants like Mago have seen their monthly incomes rise by 50%, making a significant difference in their quality of life.

These projects not only help clean up the environment but also provide valuable income opportunities for individuals and families. By involving local communities in these initiatives, they create a sense of collective responsibility for environmental preservation and ensure a more sustainable future for all.