IMPACT LEADER OF THE MONTH: RITA IDEHAI

This December, the Impact Journal proudly celebrates Rita Idehai, a visionary social innovator whose work sits at the intersection of environment, technology, social development, and the economy. Through her innovative approach to sustainability, Rita is transforming the way Nigeria handles waste, empowering communities, and creating economic opportunities while advancing climate adaptation and social inclusion.

Rita is the founder of Ecobarter, a pioneering company that is revolutionizing waste management in Nigeria. Under her leadership, Ecobarter has built innovative systems to collect, tokenize, and transform waste into valuable products, making environmental responsibility both practical and economically rewarding. Among her most notable achievements is Nigeria’s first reverse vending machine (RVM), effectively an “ATM for plastics and cans”, which rewards citizens for responsibly disposing of recyclable materials. This groundbreaking technology not only promotes recycling but also encourages sustainable behavior, turning waste into a tangible currency for everyday use.

Her impact extends beyond technology. Rita is the immediate past president of the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, a national network of over 200 recycling businesses, where she championed collaborative strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s recycling sector and drive systemic change. She has also served as the General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board, where she gained hands-on experience in public sector waste management and policy implementation, further cementing her expertise in building scalable, sustainable systems.

Through her work, Rita is creating opportunities for vulnerable populations, helping people rebuild livelihoods and gain financial independence while addressing critical social and environmental challenges. Her initiatives foster climate resilience, sustainable ecosystems, and inclusive economic growth, demonstrating that environmental action can drive social transformation.

Rita’s leadership is characterized by innovation, vision, and a deep commitment to impact. She has become a national voice for circular economy practices, technology-enabled waste solutions, and community empowerment, inspiring a generation of young innovators and change-makers in Nigeria and across Africa.

This December, we honor Rita Idehai as our Impact Leader of the Month for her exceptional contributions to social innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. Her work reminds us that tackling climate and social challenges requires bold ideas, strategic action, and unwavering dedication, and that one person’s vision can catalyze lasting change for entire communities.

Congratulations, Rita Idehai, for your extraordinary impact and leadership.