Freetown Waste Transformers

The company

Freetown Waste Transformers turns organic waste into energy, replacing diesel generators with green technology.

Problem

Limited access to electricity and an unreliable grid has led to mass use of diesel generators in Sierra Leone, especially by MSMEs. The waste management infrastructure in Freetown also has inefficient collection processes, making waste management a major challenge.

GSMA Project

Freetown Waste Transformers received a GSMA grant to digitalise the waste collection process. It implemented a GPS mobile mapping app to improve the efficiency of existing waste coordination.

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In April 2024, Freetown Waste Transformers received another GSMA grant to make its Dortibox solution more accessible – through USSD, voice guidance and visual symbols – and improve the user experience for low-literacy users.

Outcomes

• Launched the mobile app DortiBox for waste collectors and households.

• Added Orange Money integration to Dortibox, allowing users to make transactions using mobile money during the grant period.

• Formed a strategic partnership with the Freetown City Council.

Traction

As of December 2024, more than 800 users (waste collectors and household members) were actively using Dortibox for waste collection.

Scaling journey

A message from the founder

“At the end of the grant period, FWT will be empowered and equipped with knowledge and capacity to predict market trends as it scales its operations and contributes to increasing energy access rates and a stronger waste management infrastructure in Freetown.”

– Aminata Dumbuya-Jarr, Founder