- Burundi Karusi, shombo commune, Rusange Centre
- info@wegecompany.com
- +257 68 725 754
WEGE COMPANY is a social enterprise championing a green economy in Burundi by promoting a circular economy. We transform banana waste, paper waste, and rice straw into affordable, reusable, recyclable, and 100% eco-friendly packaging.
OUR VISION
We envision a plastic-free world with accessible eco-friendly packaging for a sustainable future.
More about the vision
No wonder climate change effects have become a globally pressing issue. One significant cause is the overuse of plastic packaging materials. According to a recent United Nations (UN) report, over 2 billion tons of plastic waste are generated worldwide each year, with Burundi producing more than 81 tons daily. Projections indicate that by 2050, global plastic waste could rise to 4 billion tons annually. Furthermore, the world suffers an unfair loss of $178 billion USD each year, with Burundi ranking among the top 20 most affected countries, losing over $80 million USD annually due to climate-related factors.
OUR MISSION
We are committed to create 100% eco-friendly packaging from waste that serve as a practical alternative to plastic.
More about the mission
Ninety percent of the Burundian population is engaged in agriculture. After harvesting, banana waste and rice straw are often abandoned or burned by farmers, contributing to increased household greenhouse gas emissions. Since our inception in June 2021, we have been sourcing our raw materials from local farmers and various farmers' cooperatives. Additionally, we have established partnerships with waste management entities and different printing companies. Our goal is to ensure that all agricultural waste and all types of biodegradable waste are collected to provide a sustainable supply of raw materials, which are then transformed into durable packaging materials.
Our Experience
– 13.5 million large eco-friendly packaging units produced.
– 15.7 million medium eco-friendly packaging units produced.
– 18.6 million small eco-friendly packaging units produced.
– 21.6 million kg of plastic waste replaced.
– 21.5 million kg of CO2 emissions reduced.
– 46.9 tons of paper waste recycled.
– 532.4 tons of agricultural waste transformed into packaging materials.
– 23 full-time employees.
– 7 part-time employees.
– 150 indirect jobs created for the local community.
– 15,200 local farmers positively impacted.
Our Products
Currently, we produce and sell one product called the NDIHOSE PACKAGE. It is an affordable, reusable, recyclable, and 100% eco-friendly packaging solution made from banana waste, paper waste, and rice straw.
The NDIHOSE PACKAGE is the best alternative to plastic bags for environmental protection. It features attractive images and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice for wrapping gifts at various parties and events.
The product comes in two types: one with a handle on top and one without a handle.
OUR OBJECTIVES
We are a green economy-based venture that transforms banana waste, paper scraps, and rice straws into eco-friendly packaging. We are dedicated to protecting the environment by providing innovative, green, and sustainable solutions.
Eco-friendly solutions
By using banana waste, paper waste, and rice straw as raw materials for our products, we offer 100% eco-friendly packaging. This approach helps combat methane emissions, which are 25 times more harmful to the atmosphere than CO2.
Waste management
We promote the recycling of all types of biodegradable waste to help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, we collect waste from waste management entities and printing companies.
Fighting against earth pollution
Using our own natural raw materials, we provide 100% eco-friendly packaging that can be reused and recycled. It is also compostable within just one week when discarded in nature, unlike plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose.
Fighting against climate change
Our work focuses on promoting climate resilience by reducing carbon emissions. This approach helps mitigate climate change by minimizing waste and encouraging the use of renewable resources, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
Reducing deforestation
Most paper used as raw material for biodegradable packaging in many industries comes from cutting down large numbers of trees. However, by using recycled materials, we reduce deforestation and help preserve habitats for wildlife.
Job opportunities
Statistically, 70% of graduate young people in Burundi don’t get a job after their studies. Through circular economy promotion, we are creating so many job opportunities for unemployed youth and women who didn't finish their schooling.
THE FOUNDER HISTORY
Jolis Nduwimana, CEO and Founder of WEGE COMPANY, was born in Karusi Province, a village in central Burundi. In 2017, shortly after graduating from high school, he tragically lost his beloved father, who was shot by unknown criminals. As the eldest child in a vulnerable family of small-scale farmers and breeders, Jolis faced the heavy responsibility of supporting his siblings’ education.
Armed with a certificate, he knocked on many doors seeking a job but found no opportunities. Determined to help his family, he moved to Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi, and worked for two years as a karani—carrying heavy goods on his head or shoulders.
In 2018, Jolis witnessed a heartbreaking scene: three of their cows died after ingesting plastic waste discarded in nature. Many animals in his neighborhood were also dying from the same cause. Faced with family hardships and the loss of their livestock, he began searching for solutions.
After much reflection, Jolis developed an innovative and sustainable idea: transforming banana waste, paper waste, and rice straw into eco-friendly packaging. He dedicated himself to research and prototyping until he created a finished product, which he named “NDIHOSE PACKAGE”.
In June 2021, his dream became a reality. Jolis founded WEGE COMPANY, an initiative that not only supports his family but also addresses environmental challenges, adds value to banana and rice plantations, and creates job opportunities for unemployed youth in Burundi.
OUR PARTNERS
