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Before the widespread arrival of plastic, the MENA region, including North Africa, operated according to principles of natural sustainability. People used reusable materials like paper, cloth, or leaves to wrap food, stored water in clay pots or animal skins, and favored products built to last. Waste was minimized, items were repaired, and resources were valued.

But starting in the 1950s–1970s, with the rise of modern industries and the abundance of oil, the use of plastic exploded in the region, following a global trend. Today, the situation is critical: the planet is overwhelmed by plastic waste, and waste management systems are struggling to cope.

In the face of this environmental emergency, several North African entrepreneurs have decided to act. Confronted with the challenges of pollution, housing shortages, climate change, and access to clean energy, they are developing bold, innovative solutions. By combining technology and sustainability, they are turning waste into economic opportunity and laying the foundations of a true circular economy tailored to the continent's needs.

By recycling used materials, digitizing waste collection systems, or encouraging households to adopt more responsible habits, these startups are building a more sustainable future, from the ground up.

Here are some of the startups you absolutely need to watch in the circular economy space in North Africa:

Nrecycli (Algeria)

Based in Algiers, Nrecycli offers a digital waste sorting app that integrates informal waste collectors and collection points to promote a circular economy. Founded in 2019, this original initiative shows how a digital platform can transform the management of plastics, paper, and cardboard into citizen engagement opportunities. Nrecycli gained international recognition by receiving the “Youth Social Entrepreneurs Award” in Doha, Qatar, for its social and environmental impact.

Revadex (Algeria)

Located in Algiers, Revadex is a digital marketplace connecting waste producers (companies, offices) with recyclers, facilitating the reuse of secondary raw materials. Founded in 2019, this innovative solution installs “Revaboxes” to separately collect plastics, paper, cans, or organic waste, turning every piece of waste into a resource. Revadex has successfully mobilized local partners to deploy its Revaboxes and raise awareness among businesses about the green transition.

Shems Wa Tabrid (Algeria)

Based in Algeria, Shems Wa Tabrid designs 100% solar-powered refrigeration systems that run on direct current without inverters — ideal for areas with limited access to electricity. Driven by the family team of Nadjat, Nourredine, and Farah Cheriguene, this project shows how sustainable innovation can support cold-chain logistics for agriculture in remote zones. It won the Greentech challenge by BNP Paribas El Djazaïr in October 2023 and is preparing prototype deployments to prove its energy efficiency and reliability.

Tagaddod (Egypt)

Tagaddod is a tech-enabled service that collects used cooking oil from households and restaurants. In exchange for their used oil, users receive free products. Founded in 2013 in Cairo, Tagaddod raised $1.2 million in seed funding in 2024 and is a key player in oil waste recovery.

Plstka (Egypt)

Plstka is a mobile platform for household waste collection. Users can exchange plastic, electronic, or aluminum waste for discount coupons. Since its founding in 2020 in Tanta, Plstka has attracted investors such as Alexandria Angels and Flat6Labs.

CUP (Egypt)

Located in Giza, CUP collects coffee waste to grow mushrooms and produce biofertilizers. Founded in 2019, this original initiative highlights how organic waste can be turned into valuable agricultural resources. CUP has received grants to support its growth, including a $250,000 prize.

Qout Libya (Libya)

Based in Tripoli, Qout Libya is an urban farm founded in 2021 by two Libyan sisters, Fatima and Salsabeel Abu Zeid. It is revolutionizing local agriculture through vertical farming techniques, producing over 400 kg of food in just 25 days on a 90 m² surface. Using a closed-loop system, the farm reduces water use by 97% compared to traditional farming. Winner of the "Coup de cœur" award at the EU’s #EyesOnBlue contest, this initiative shows how sustainable innovation can reshape agriculture in Libya.

Inveko (Morocco)

Based in Casablanca and founded in 2021, Inveko provides tech solutions for collecting and recycling industrial and household waste. By helping structure Morocco’s recycling sector, it plays a key role in the country's shift toward a circular economy.

Dabchy (Tunisia)

Based in Tunisia, Dabchy is a second-hand fashion platform that connects buyers and sellers through an integrated delivery and payment system. Founded in 2016, it promotes circular fashion and makes sustainable clothing more accessible. Dabchy recently raised a pre-series A funding round to support its expansion into Egypt and beyond.

Tunisia Baits (Tunisia)

Located in Bizerte, Tunisia Baits is the first marine worm farming project in Africa and the Mediterranean, producing live bait for fishing and aquaculture. Founded in 2014, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fish feed, reducing waste and carbon footprint. Tunisia Baits has received support from programs such as OceanHub Africa to accelerate its development.

Water Sec (Tunisia)

Based in Tunisia, WaterSec develops smart water management solutions using IoT and AI to monitor consumption in real-time and detect leaks. Founded by five engineers, the startup promotes more responsible and sustainable water use across the MENA region. WaterSec was supported by accelerators such as Flat6Labs for its growth.

Through these initiatives, North Africa is proving that recycling and waste recovery can become true economic drivers. These startups are not only reducing environmental impact, they’re creating new markets, green jobs, and opportunities for sustainable innovation.

As urban waste and climate change challenges intensify, the circular economy is emerging as a necessary and promising solution for the entire region.