The fight against plastic pollution has reached a new milestone in Kédougou. The Endeavour Foundation, in partnership with Plastic Odyssey, inaugurated a plastic pre-recycling container on Tuesday, an innovative project that combines environmental protection and the creation of green jobs.

This initiative is part of the environmental strategy of the Endeavour Mining group, which relies on the circular economy to transform waste into economic opportunities for the benefit of local communities.

An eco-responsible and community-based project

Senegal produces over 250,000 tons of plastic waste each year, much of which still escapes collection systems. Faced with this environmental challenge, Endeavour and Plastic Odyssey have chosen to take concrete action in Kédougou, launching a center capable of processing up to 60 tons of plastic per year.

The project is led by Saliou Kanté, a local entrepreneur trained in Dakar by Plastic Odyssey. Thanks to three years of technical, managerial, and financial support, he has the necessary tools to ensure the viability and sustainability of this business.

A significant social and economic impact

Funded to the tune of 28 million CFA francs by the Endeavour Foundation, this pre-recycling center does more than just reduce plastic waste. It also contributes to boosting the local economy, creating five direct and 20 indirect jobs in the collection and recycling sector; and improving cleanliness and public health in Sabodala and Kédougou.

Furthermore, nearly 65,000 residents will benefit from a healthier environment and an improved quality of life. “By valorizing waste, we are above all valuing local talent and efforts. This project embodies our vision of sustainable development that creates environmental, economic, and human value for our communities,” said Aziz Sy, Vice President of Public Affairs in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali.

An action that is part of a regional strategy

The inauguration of the container in Kédougou adds to other recent achievements of the Endeavour Foundation. Last month, a similar recycling center was opened in Côte d'Ivoire, demonstrating the group's commitment to replicating successful local models on a regional scale.

These projects are part of Endeavour Mining's overall environmental policy, which has already eliminated 97% of plastic bottles at its mining sites and conducted numerous awareness campaigns on sustainable waste management.

One more step towards a plastic-free future

With this initiative, the Endeavour Foundation reaffirms its commitment to combating plastic pollution while supporting local entrepreneurship. Through innovative partnerships and concrete projects like the one in Kédougou, it demonstrates that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.