As a team driven by curiosity and a passion for problem-solving and innovation, we are constantly questioning how things work and exploring ways to improve them. At the start of this year, we reflected on the everyday challenges people face across Nigeria and Africa and asked ourselves: what if these systems could be redesigned for better functionality, accessibility, and impact? Here are some of the areas we believe are worth reimagining and designing for in 2025.
SUSTAINABILITY: RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Recycling: There are initiatives currently existing in recycling non-biodegradables like plastic and bottles, however, a lot of people are not aware of this and even when they are, the process is not very user friendly. And if there’s anything we’ve noticed with humanity, is that the harder the process, the less people will adopt it. Hence the question: How can we create more awareness of this solution in metropolitan cities, and make it easy for people everywhere to easily incorporate it into their busy day-to-day lives?
Waste Management and Disposal: Africa generates 70 million tonnes of waste annually, yet most of it is discarded, not recycled, and this poor waste management pollutes cities, fuels disease, and deepens neglect, worse in peri-urban and rural areas where systems barely exist. But this isn’t just about clean streets; it’s about shifting mindsets and creating structures that make responsible disposal effortless, in homes, and communities. How do we transform waste from a crisis into an opportunity?
CITIES: SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Public Market Redesign: Public markets are vital to commerce but often suffer from poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and waste management issues. Redesigning markets for easy navigation, buyer engagement and overall efficiency, would improve customer experience and the entire public market system. Additionally, incorporating initiatives such as waste-to-energy, could convert market waste into biofuel or compost, creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment. How can we redesign the public market system and experience for all stakeholders to increase commerce and customer experience?
Improving the Pedestrian Experience to Reduce Accident Rates: In Nigeria, pedestrians are often forced to navigate bad roads, with poorly maintained sidewalks or no sidewalks at all. These conditions lead to a high number of pedestrian accidents. What if we could reimagine the pedestrian experience to make it safer and more accessible? From wider, well-lit walkways to strategically placed pedestrian crossings at high-traffic areas, the redesign could include smart street lighting, traffic calming measures, and interactive signs that guide pedestrians safely.
Redesigning these everyday systems is about creating solutions that improve lives, drive sustainability, and enhance efficiency. Whether it’s making recycling easier, ensuring safer pedestrian experiences, or digitizing government services, these ideas have the potential to reshape our cities and communities for the better.
