KUNDUSHIMA MANASSEH ALUGA (MANASSEH)
NIGERIA, 17
He/Him
Project: Kundu Waste Management Project
Amidst Nigeria’s growing pollution crisis, Manasseh launched the Kundu Waste Management Project to create scalable recycling solutions and foster environmental stewardship. He invented the Kundu Shredder, a low-cost device that converts plastic waste into sustainable construction materials. The Project has produced and distributed 1,200+ sustainable bricks to community sites, diverting 2.5 tons of plastic from landfills and waterways. By creating jobs in construction and brick production, the Project is also catalyzing economic growth. In 2024, Manasseh formed the Kundu Corps to educate and engage students in waste management and brick production. Later that year, he became the first Nigerian to receive the International Young Eco-Hero Award. In 2025, Manasseh plans to build community recycling centers nationwide to collect 10 tons of waste annually, increase brick production by 50%, and train 500+ youth ambassadors. Manasseh believes youth-led grassroots innovation is key to unlocking long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Check out Manasseh’s work here: LinkedIn