Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is not just an entrepreneur—she’s a changemaker transforming how we perceive and manage waste in Africa. As the co-founder and CEO of Wecyclers, Adebiyi-Abiola has pioneered a model that addresses Lagos’s pressing waste management crisis while creating economic and social opportunities for underserved communities. Her work is a shining example of how purpose-driven innovation can tackle systemic problems, generate impact, and inspire change.
Adebiyi-Abiola’s journey began far from the bustling streets of Lagos. While studying for her MBA at the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, she was inspired to create a solution to the waste management challenges she had witnessed in Nigeria. At the intersection of her business expertise and passion for environmental sustainability, Wecyclers was born—a platform that doesn’t just collect waste but also empowers people by turning it into tangible value.
Wecyclers’ groundbreaking model leverages low-cost cargo bicycles, aptly named “wecycles,” to collect recyclable materials from households. Participants in the program earn redeemable points based on the volume of waste they provide. These points can be exchanged for essential goods, creating a win-win solution: cleaner communities and direct benefits for households. This innovative approach has redefined waste as a valuable resource, engaging families, businesses, and local governments in the fight against urban waste pollution.
Since its inception in 2012, Wecyclers has become a beacon of sustainable entrepreneurship, transforming neighborhoods and lives. Under Adebiyi-Abiola’s leadership, the organization has collected thousands of tons of recyclable waste and impacted countless lives by creating jobs, particularly for women and youth in underserved communities. Wecyclers’ work has garnered numerous international accolades, including recognition from the Cartier Women’s Initiative and the MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge, showcasing its global relevance.
Adebiyi-Abiola’s vision goes beyond cleaning up Lagos; it’s about creating systems that empower people. By building partnerships with corporations, municipal authorities, and grassroots organizations, she has expanded Wecyclers’ reach and impact. Her leadership exemplifies how innovative solutions can bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and economic development, proving that solving big problems can also create meaningful opportunities.
Her influence extends beyond Wecyclers. As the former General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, she worked to transform public spaces into green havens, reinforcing her commitment to sustainability. Her efforts have made her a thought leader in waste management and a powerful advocate for the circular economy in emerging markets.
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to impact. She has turned one of Africa’s most daunting challenges into an opportunity for empowerment and change, inspiring a new wave of social entrepreneurship. Her work reminds us that innovation is not just about technology—it’s about using creative solutions to uplift communities, protect the environment, and build a better future for all.
Through Wecyclers, Adebiyi-Abiola continues to redefine what’s possible when business and purpose converge. Her journey is a powerful message to the world: with vision, determination, and the courage to act, even waste can be transformed into wealth.
