What is the name of your organization?
V-Clean
What is the name of your solution?
V-Clean Waste Management
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
V-Clean is a tech-driven waste management solution that uses drones, IoT sensors, and AI to optimize recycling and reduce waste in African cities.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Nigeria
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
At V-Clean, we are solving the critical issue of ineffective waste management in rapidly growing urban areas across Africa. The continent generates over 125 million tonnes of waste annually, with Nigeria alone contributing more than 32 million tonnes. Unfortunately, less than 10% of this waste is properly collected or recycled, leading to environmental degradation, illegal dumping, and health risks for millions of people. Inadequate waste management systems are unable to keep up with rapid urbanization, causing overflowing landfills, pollution, and the spread of diseases.
The situation is exacerbated by a lack of real-time data, inefficient waste collection routes, and low public engagement in recycling. Approximately 4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from waste-related issues, and Africa’s urban population is expected to double by 2050, increasing waste generation by 70%. This means the problem will only worsen if current waste management systems remain unchanged.
V-Clean addresses these challenges with a tech-driven solution that integrates drones for waste mapping, IoT-enabled smart bins, machine learning for trend predictions, and blockchain for transparent waste tracking. This innovative approach enables more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable waste management practices.
What is your solution?
V-Clean is a smart waste management system that helps cities manage waste more efficiently using technology and community participation. It combines three tools: aerial mapping, IoT-enabled smart bins, and a mobile app for citizens.
The aerial mapping system uses drones and GIS to identify and monitor waste hotspots across urban areas. The smart bins are fitted with sensors that detect when they are full and send alerts to waste collectors, preventing overflow and improving pickup timing. The mobile app allows citizens to report waste, upload pictures, and categorize the urgency and type of waste, making them active participants in keeping their communities clean.
All this data is connected through a central dashboard that helps waste managers plan better, respond faster, and track progress. V-Clean makes waste collection smarter, cleaner, and more climate-friendly.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
V-Clean directly serves urban communities in Africa, particularly low-income neighborhoods and informal settlements that are often neglected in waste collection systems. These communities frequently suffer from uncollected waste, blocked drainage, flooding, and disease outbreaks, yet they lack the tools or voice to report and address these issues.
Our solution also serves local waste pickers and sanitation workers, who often work without support, safety gear, or recognition. By integrating them into the V-Clean system, we provide them with structured routes, training, protective equipment, and financial incentives.
Government agencies and environmental authorities are indirect beneficiaries. V-Clean provides them with real-time data to improve planning, reduce inefficiencies, and enforce environmental policies. By giving citizens a simple way to report waste, alerting collectors through smart bins, and supporting local waste actors, V-Clean builds healthier, more responsive, and climate-resilient communities.
