300 SECONDS with Peter Okwoko
Co-founder and COO at Takataka Plastics a social enterprise based in Gulu, Uganda. Takataka Plastics is transforming plastic waste in Uganda into quality, affordable construction, materials.
We spoke with Peter Okwoko, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Takataka Plastics a social enterprise based in Gulu, Uganda. Takataka Plastics is transforming plastic waste in Uganda into quality, affordable construction, materials. Below, Peter tells us more about how his team continues to create jobs in the region as well as their contribution in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
HOW DID YOU START TAKATAKA PLASTICS?
We officially started Takataka Plastics in 2020. However, the passion and motivation in venturing into a waste management initiative started in 2015 while I was pursuing my Master’s Degree in Innovative Communication Technologies and Entrepreneurship from Aalborg University in Denmark. During my 2 years stay in Denmark, I was fascinated by how green the country was. It was awesome to see that the streets were hardly littered with plastic waste because of the systems in place. That motivated me to start AfriGreen Sustain, an initiative that focused on sensitisation around waste management. I then met Paige Balcom, a PhD candidate from UC Berkeley in 2018. During this time, she was doing her research around plastic waste management and that was the genesis of Takataka Plastics. Today we are both co-founders of Takataka Plastics. She also serves as the CTO while I serve as the COO.
WHAT IMPACT HAS TAKATAKA PLASTICS HAD SO FAR IN GULU?
Within 16 months of operation, we have had a lot of impact socially, economically and environmentally in various ways. For example, we purchase plastics from local collectors, which improves money generation and circulation in the local economy. In addition to this, we are also purchasers of waste, and providers of income to independent contractors. Takataka Plastics also employs local workers, especially street connected youth. We have created jobs for 16 youths. We have also indirectly created more than 20 jobs for other parties in the waste management value-chain. Environmentally, we have collected and recycled about 2 tonnes of plastic bottles, which is about 4000 Kg of CO2 offset. Through our campaigns, we have sensitized more than 5,000 people living in and around Gulu with messages on waste management.
When the pandemic struck, we figured out how to produce reusable face-shields from plastic waste and local materials. We successfully pivoted our product line and expanded to help our community during the COVID-19 pandemic by producing reusable face shields. We sold 3,026 and donated 7,761 face-shields to health facilities, schools, and police offices in Gulu and across Uganda.
WHAT POLICY CHANGES IN UGANDA WILL IMPROVE THE IMPACT OF YOUR WORK?
In Uganda, a social enterprise like Takataka Plastics is treated in the same way as for-profit businesses. There is no distinction between hybrid businesses and purely for profit. The government should have incentives for enterprises dealing in environmental sustainability matters. Such incentives could be in terms of favourable tax treatments and lower import tariffs. Government should also come out with policies to support the local manufacturing sector. Lastly, the government should come out with more support for IP protection.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE BIGGEST FACTOR TO YOUR PERSONAL SUCCESS SO FAR?
I think the biggest factor to my personal success is perseverance and believing in what I do. Also, my motivation to learn and apply the knowledge and experience in my everyday work has really helped me progress in what I do.
WHAT PRACTICAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WITH AN IDEA LOOKING TO START A BUSINESS?
If you have an idea, do research on related businesses and if possible reach out to owners of such businesses for their guidance. No matter how small you start, just put your energy to it. If there is a like minded individual, engage the individual and if possible partner with such an individual.
WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?
The last song I listened to was Homesick by Kane Brown
Follow Peter Okwoko and Takataka Plastics on Twitter - @TakatakaPlastic and on Facebook - Takataka Plastics
