Ugandan Plastic Waste Startup Wins 2026 GEC Pitch, Advances to 2-Day Africa Conference
Updated
Updated · Monitor · Jun 1
Ugandan Plastic Waste Startup Wins 2026 GEC Pitch, Advances to 2-Day Africa Conference
1 articles · Updated · Monitor · Jun 1
A Ugandan startup that turns plastic waste into sewing thread and fabric won the 2026 GEC Uganda Pitching Competition, earning Shs2 million and a place at GEC+ Africa in Cape Town on Sept. 16-17.
The company topped 10 finalists chosen from more than 100 applications in a contest run by GEN Uganda with Enterprise Uganda to connect founders with mentors, investors and business support.
Kyuka Ventures Innovation Hub placed first runner-up for Shs1.5 million, while health-tech startup Dada Innovations, known as Simply Hers, took second runner-up and received Shs1 million.
Organizers said the September conference will focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, climate innovation, digital transformation, access to finance and policy, with investor matchmaking and networking aimed at helping startups scale across Africa.
Can a startup making fabric from plastic outcompete Africa's massive second-hand clothing market?
What hurdles must be cleared to turn 15,000 tonnes of plastic into 10,000 jobs?
Is turning plastic waste into fabric a green solution or just a different pollution problem?
Helton Traders Wins Uganda’s Slot at GEC+ Africa 2026: Transforming Plastic Waste into Textile Innovation
Overview
Helton Traders has achieved a major milestone by winning Uganda’s slot at GEC+ Africa 2026, following a rigorous national pitching competition. This demanding process required applicants to submit detailed pitch decks and demonstrate strong value propositions, financial projections, and team strength. Only the most promising ventures advanced, with the judging panel carefully evaluating market opportunities and sustainable business strategies. Helton Traders’ victory not only marks a pivotal moment for the startup but also positions it on an international stage, highlighting Uganda’s growing innovation ecosystem and inspiring other entrepreneurs to pursue impactful solutions.