From a Master’s degree in Denmark to a plastic recycling enterprise in Uganda

 

In 2017, Peter Okwoko graduated from Aalborg University with a Master’s degree and a vision to address Uganda’s waste management issues. Today, he runs the plastic recycling enterprise Takataka that has 48 employees and 200 community collection agents.

By Vibeke Quaade

Peter Okwoko’s journey from academic ambition to entrepreneurial success is a powerful testament to the impact of education and innovation in tackling critical environmental challenges. In 2017, Peter Okwoko graduated with a Master’s degree in “Innovative Communication Technologies and Entrepreneurship” from Aalborg University. His vision was to address Uganda’s waste management issues.

When he got back to Uganda, Peter Okwoko started his professional career by becoming a lecturer at Gulu University. However, after a couple of years, his passion for creating sustainable solutions led him to cofound the plastic recycling enterprise Takataka Plastics in 2020 with Paige Balcom. They started with just four team members, but since then, Takataka Plastics has grown significantly. It has now 48 employees and engages around 200 community collection agents in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Takataka specialises in producing construction tiles, made from 100% recycled water and soda bottles, but its impact goes beyond recycling. The enterprise also drives various community initiatives, including offering training in entrepreneurship, mentoring students from local universities, and hosting activities that engage youth from the region. Takataka Plastics even features its own basketball and pinball facilities, promoting community spirit and involvement.

Okwoko’s vision, rooted in academic aspirations and achievements, emphasises the power of education and innovation in creating meaningful change and addressing environmental challenges.

Peter Okwoko’s Master’s studies in “Innovative Communication Technologies and Entrepreneurship” at Aalborg University 2015-17 was funded by Danida under the Building Stronger Universities programme.

In 2020, Danida Fellowship Centre awarded the Danida Alumni Prize to Peter Okwoko for his quick, highly innovative and sustainable response to the Covid-19 crisis. Read more 

Go back to our stories