Emerging Leaders: Building Circular Futures
Emerging Leaders: Building Circular Futures is an international program empowering teams of young changemakers (ages 18–25) in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Kyrgyzstan to lead community-based circular economy projects. Each country will recruit 5 groups of ~6 participants who will gain skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience to implement local solutions for environmental and economic resilience.
The program is generously funded by an anonymous angel philanthropist and led by 10 Billion Strong in partnership with Dunia Bora (Kenya), GAYO (Botswana), HUDEFO (Tanzania), and Unison Group (Kyrgyzstan).
Program Model & Objectives
The program features a combination of in-person events and virtual learning experiences designed to equip emerging environmental leaders in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Kyrgyzstan with the skills, tools, and networks to advance circular economy solutions in their communities. Through applied learning and hands-on implementation, participants drive environmental and economic transformation from the ground up.
The program will focus on how circular economy principles can be locally adapted to create regenerative, community-led solutions to pressing sustainability challenges.
The program objectives include:
Enabling participants to deepen their understanding of environmental, economic, and social challenges in their countries and identify practical, circular solutions rooted in local context.
Providing training in systems thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurship through the Green Leaders Academy and a series of virtual workshops.
Supporting participants in designing and implementing community-based projects that demonstrate the impact and potential of circular economy innovation.
Building long-term relationships between young leaders, small businesses, and expert mentors to foster ongoing collaboration and support.
Highlighting real-world examples of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advancing circular practices, and capturing these stories for broader learning and visibility.
Program Timeline
Applications Open: May 10th
July: In-person kick-off event in each local country in the first week.
July- August:
- 15 module (approx. 30 hours) online Green Leaders Academy completed at your own pace.
- Circular economy accelerator, which features 3 live online training workshops and expert advice
- Mini-grant for groups to advance their project’s environmental impact using circular economy skills.
August: In-person wrap-up event and symposium to share program impact.
Program Eligibility
- Ages 18–25
- Resident of Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, or Kyrgyzstan
- Ability to communicate in English
- Reliable internet access for online training and workshops
- Demonstrated interest in environmental issues and the circular economy
- Ability to participate in both in-person and virtual components of the program from July to November 2025
- Ability to join and work collaboratively in a small group
- Commitment to completing a community-based project with your team
Program partners
