In a move to support environmental protection and boost local enterprise, Airtel Malawi has joined the global celebration of World Environment Day with a strong message of action — not just words. The telecoms giant marked the occasion with a creative partnership aimed at tackling plastic waste while empowering local artisans.
On June 5, Airtel Malawi collaborated with Kibébé, a Malawian social enterprise known for transforming plastic waste into stylish, handmade products, to host a vibrant exhibition at its headquarters in Lilongwe.
The event featured an eye-catching pop-up stall where staff and visitors could browse and purchase eco-friendly items ranging from colourful handbags to upcycled home décor accessories. Each product was crafted from recycled plastic, giving waste a second life and turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Aashish Dutt, Managing Director of Airtel Malawi, said the company was proud to stand with Kibébé in promoting recycling, sustainability, and local empowerment.
“We are proud to commemorate World Environment Day by supporting Kibébé’s innovative approach to plastic recycling,” Dutt said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Malawi, but also to empowering local artisans and sustainable enterprises.”
He added that the initiative ties into Airtel Malawi’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, which aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
To further support the cause, Airtel Malawi donated K1 million to Kibébé. The donation will help the enterprise scale up its operations — from collecting more plastic waste to increasing production capacity and creating more jobs for local artisans, many of whom are women and youth.
The gesture was warmly received by the Kibébé team, who have been advocating for innovative ways to reduce plastic pollution while building sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
World Environment Day is observed globally every 5th of June, and this year’s theme centred on “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”, though issues like plastic pollution remain high on the agenda in many countries, including Malawi.
Plastic waste continues to be a growing environmental concern across Africa. In Malawi, plastic litter often clogs drainage systems, pollutes rivers and lakes, and poses a threat to both wildlife and human health. Initiatives like Kibébé’s not only help tackle this problem but also demonstrate how waste can be turned into wealth.
Airtel Malawi’s support of such grassroots innovation comes at a time when more companies are being called upon to adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute to environmental sustainability.
“This is not a one-off event,” Dutt emphasized. “We will continue to partner with organisations and communities that are driving positive environmental change. Our goal is to help build a future where technology, business, and the environment go hand in hand.”
Visitors to the product showcase praised the creativity and quality of the items on display. Many described the products as “eye-opening” and a “reminder that sustainability can be stylish.”
Beyond the exhibition, the event also served as a platform for awareness — educating employees, partners, and the wider public on the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste.
With this latest initiative, Airtel Malawi has sent a strong message: environmental responsibility and community empowerment can go together, and even small actions — like choosing a recycled bag — can make a big difference.
