When people talk about innovation in Africa, they often picture sleek tech offices or high-level boardrooms filled with professionals in suits. However, for Funto Boroffice, innovation begins in places most would rather ignore. She sees it in the plastic bottles floating through gutters and in the mounds of waste that pile up on city corners. Where many see trash, Funto sees untapped opportunity and even wealth, reports SONIA OKERE
A purpose-driven journey back home
Raised in the United States, Funto worked hard and pursued excellence. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Northeastern University in Boston, followed by a Master’s in Financial Management from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business in New York. With a strong sense of purpose, she built a thriving career in finance, strategy, and project management at General Electric (GE) Capital. Yet, after nearly 20 years abroad, Funto felt a calling she couldn’t ignore. So, she returned to Nigeria, not just to reconnect with her roots, but to make a difference.
Her mission led to the birth of Chanja Datti, a recycling and waste management company.
From waste to wealth
In Hausa language, Chanja Datti means “to transform dirt.” The name reflects a belief that even the most disregarded materials can be given new value. This company was founded in 2015.
The early days were tough, with nine rejections for every 10 proposals sent out
At Chanja Datti, recycling is not just a business; it is a movement. Every day, they collect a wide variety of waste materials, including plastic bottles, nylon wrappers, aluminum cans, old newspapers, used cartons, and broken plastic items like chairs and jerrycans.
These materials are sorted and transformed into pellets, flakes, or bales, then supplied to manufacturers who use them to create new products.
Beyond recycling, they spread awareness about the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The major aim is to build a cleaner environment.
Early challenges and quiet resilience
As W. Clement Stone once said, “When you discover your mission, you’ll feel its demand.” Obviously, it was passion that made Funto to return to Nigeria and build something many didn’t understand at the time. While sharing her experience in an interview, she said,
“When I told my family I wanted to start a recycling company, they didn’t quite understand why I chose that path, but they supported me. I used my personal savings to kickstart the company. I also got additional support from my family.
We started very small. It was just me and my logistics manager moving from one location to another to collect trash.
The early days were tough, with nine rejections for every 10 proposals sent out. What about the period we got a sudden notice to leave the land we had rented? Yet, Chanja Datti persevered. Today, the company has grown into a globally recognized brand with different locations in Nigeria. We also have over 200 staff members and several partners.”
When I told my family I wanted to start a recycling company, they didn’t quite understand why I chose that path
A ripple effect of impact
Since launching in 2015, Chanja Datti has diverted nearly 4,000 tons of recyclable waste from dumpsites across Abuja, thereby reducing pressure on landfills and the environment. The company has also made a significant social impact. Through its “trash-for-cash” program, many women have been empowered and children sent to school. Some participants collect waste and exchange it for money, while others have found stable employment in areas like processing, logistics, and outreach.
To increase efficiency and cut carbon emissions, Chanja Datti introduced Micro-Recycling Plants (MRPs) at strategic waste collection points. These plants minimize long-distance transportation, making the recycling process more local, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, Chanja Datti is more than a recycling company; it’s a symbol of possibility. Through vision, purpose, and action, Funto has proven that some of Africa’s greatest innovations may come from unexpected places. Thankfully, her great work made her win several awards and recognitions.
