A waste management app, PAKAM, says it will continue to leverage technology and innovation to tackle waste management issues and promote circular economy in the country.
The group during the launch of its technology app PAKAM 3.0 on Thursday in Lagos, said it would remained relentless in achieving a circular economy and zero waste environment.
Pakam Technology is a platform as a service company that utilises software applications and data to promote a circular economy and achieve sustainability through recycling and waste management.
It focuses on using technology to protect the environment, empower people, and generate profit. Our solution also aligns with achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Founder, Pakam Technology, Ms Olawunmi Ogunde, said the group since inception, had continued to address waste management and recycling problems with the aid of technology and unrelenting continue to innovate.
“The Pakam 3.0 launch is the beginning of a transformation era in waste and recycling management across Africa, which takes us one step closer to our mission.
“Our mission has been clear, to create waste scarcity by leveraging technology to drive sustainability and unlock full potential of the circular economy in Africa.
“Irrespective of the challenges, our commitment to unlocking the full potential of waste and recycling of waste in the recycling sector is unwavering as we continue to forge ahead,” Ogunde said.
She described the launch of the version one of PAKAM as a bold step into the markets.
“When we launched the version one of PAKAM, it was a bold step into the markets layering the foundation for our commitments to improving waste management system in Nigeria and beyond.
“With version two, we added key features and introduced a game-changing automated payment system, which paid out over N558 million to Business2Consumers, introduced referral programmes, waste to health, insurance, and integrated drop-off system and options for Business2Business partners for ease of business, and so much more.
“Even with these features, we were still learning and we had a lot to do. And now, with version three, we have embraced the philosophy of learn, unlearn, and relearn. And I can tell you that we are still learning.
“The new version is a fully integrated platform as a service, AI-powered platform. It is an innovation that will open opportunities and transform how businesses are done currently in the waste and recycling sector.
“We have created tools that make business transactions easy for businesses in the ecosystem, carbon credit opportunities for businesses, and so much more.
“Together, we can redefine what is possible in the waste and recycling industry. So, we ask you to commit to action to commit to collaboration, to commit to a shared mission of building a world where waste becomes resources and sustainability becomes the norm,” Ogunde said.
On her part, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, commended the efforts of Pakam in tackling waste management issues and promoting circular economy.
“We cannot be more proud for all that you have done and all that you are about to do as well.
“PAKAM 3.0, exciting times ahead for us, and we look earnestly forward towards what this is going to unfold for us within the space of green economy.
“We commend the PAKAM technology for their unwavering commitment to advancing the circular economy through innovation and collaboration.
“Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of building a sustainable future. Over time, we continue to see that we cannot afford to walk in silos anymore because this is a situation that is facing every one of us as long as we are living on planet earth.
“It is even more commendable because PAKAM has chosen the path to provide solutions from a technology-driven perspective, which is where the future of emerging economy solutions lie,” Oshodi said.
She described education and awareness as the major hindrance to the development of circular economy.
“At the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy, we have identified that the major hindrance to the development of circular economy is education and awareness.
“Exposing Lagos residents to the inherent economic potential of the circular economy value chain will not only cater to waste challenges and the environmental issues, but it would also improve income, provide employment, and facilitate the climate change mitigation that is set before us.
“The vision to position Lagos State as the most sustainable city on earth and the mission to solve climate change issues while creating economic opportunities are very pivotal and very critical for us.
“It is initiatives like this that reinforce the critical and the digital innovation that we need to connect to stakeholders and to amplify the impact,” she said.