By Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Njala University’s Mokonde Campus in Moyamba District has emerged as a hub for youth-led environmental innovation, as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) rolls out its Circular Innovation Clubs under the #YouthForCircularity2030 initiative.
Students, university leaders, and development partners gathered on campus this week to explore practical approaches to managing end-of-life electronic devices, promoting responsible consumption, and transitioning away from the traditional “take-use-dispose” model. Discussions focused on transforming electronic waste (e-waste) into economic opportunities while reducing environmental harm in local communities.
The Circular Innovation Clubs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to rethink resource use from product design to waste management. Participants examined how circular economy approaches can extend the lifespan of materials, create green jobs, and reduce pressure on natural resources in Sierra Leone.
UNDP representatives noted that the initiative places young people at the centre of the transition toward a circular economy, where waste is minimized and materials are reused and recycled. The programme also seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and civil society in scaling sustainable solutions.
Njala University officials welcomed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the institution’s role in advancing research and community engagement on sustainability. For students, the clubs provide hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges related to waste management and consumption issues that directly affect Moyamba District and surrounding communities.
The rollout in Moyamba follows earlier expansions of the programme in other parts of the country, reflecting UNDP’s broader effort to integrate circular economy principles into education and youth development across West and Central Africa.
With global e-waste volumes on the rise, the focus on responsible disposal and reuse is particularly timely for Sierra Leone, where informal waste management practices often pose significant health and environmental risks. The Circular Innovation Clubs offer a structured platform for students to develop prototypes, business ideas, and advocacy campaigns that promote sustainable consumption.
UNDP officials emphasized that youth-driven innovation will be critical to achieving Sierra Leone’s climate and development goals by 2030.