Footprints Africa
We support SMEs to adopt future-friendly practices, address growth challenges, and create jobs for development in Africa.
At Footprints Africa we are on a mission to create 100,000 living wage jobs in the circular economy across Africa over the next 5 years. Founded in 2017, we focus on pioneering B-Corp programming in Ghana, and de-risking the circular economy transition across the entire African continent. Our strength lies in how we support businesses leaders to adopt future-friendly practices and evidence the benefits of purpose-led business. What makes us different? We work with leaders who focus on context. And we believe in the power of African innovation to demonstrate models that will work for the rest of the world.
With emphasis on practical action over the theoretical, we focus on 5 things:
- Business support programmes: We deliver 2-6 month B-Corp and circular programmes to transform mindsets, behaviour and impact.
- Circularity impact measurement: We work with circular businesses to prove how their models are superior to linear alternatives.
- Collaborative problem solving: We meet the need for innovative and supportive approaches to solve tough industry-wide challenges.
- Waste audits: We support organisations at all stages of their journey to zero waste.
- Applied research: We bring deeper insights adapted to African realities.
Some highlights of our work:
B-Corp: we have supported over 135 businesses directly, empowering 3,000 informal workers, with a particular focus on female-owned businesses.
Mapping the circular economy: We built the most comprehensive, open-access database of over 500 circular businesses in Africa.
Measuring: From our work with circular businesses we have produced a ‘how to’ measurement guide.
Reporting: We have published three case study reports, two of which have focused high potential circular sectors: regenerative agriculture and the built environment, giving some 80 business insights.
Collaborative problem-solving: we have run a series of public catalytic question sessions (‘hotseats’) with 170 participants across Africa and beyond to unlock 12 circular business challenges.
Circular economy action plan devised for Ghana.
Our goal for the next 5yrs is to train 100 social impact companies, leading to:
- 60 companies reduce Scope 1&2 emissions
- 5 companies achieve Zero Waste
- 2000 informal workers improve incomes & reduce vulnerability*
- £250,000 disbursed to support local leaders refine their solutions to social & environmental challenges, over 60% provided to projects specifically targeting women
- 150 local experts trained in leadership (CEOs, local partners, sustainability professionals)
- 5,000 hours of training for our local team
- 100 young people trained in leadership, critical analysis & sustainable practices
- 50 participate in our University Research Challenge
- 50 pass through our Fellowship programme
- Use our strategic positions on key decision bodies such as the Ghana NPAP & African Circular Economy Alliance (of African governments) to advocate for informal workers, circular businesses & environmental policy