Ghana has earned global recognition at the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development 2024, with NETCYCLE AFRICA—Closing the Loop on Waste Fishnets in Africa winning the 2nd Category Award (SDG 14—Life Below Water).
The award-winning project is implemented by Chaint Afrique Academy and represented by the Executive Director, Co-Founder, and Distinguished Sustainable Living Advocate, Mr. Venan Sondo, who received the honor at the ceremony in Madrid. NETCYCLE AFRICA tackles the growing challenge of abandoned fishing nets, a major phenomenon threatening marine life, coastal livelihoods, and ocean health across Africa.
Through a circular model, the initiative partners with fishing communities to educate, collect, process and repurpose discarded nets into valuable materials with global partners like Aquafil, while strengthening environmental resilience and local economies. “This award is a powerful reminder that African-led innovation can shape the future of marine sustainability,” said Venan Sondo.
“NETCYCLE AFRICA is closing the loop on waste fishnets through an initiative that protects our waterbodies, empowers our coastal communities to be more resilient, and creates alternative livelihoods from unlocking opportunities in the circular economy.”
To date, the initiative has engaged and educated over 100 fishing communities in Ghana,a recovered and recycled more than 100 metric tonnes of waste fishing nets, generated over EUR 40,000 in alternative income streams for fishing communities, supported economic inclusion and skills development for coastal families in Anomabo, Winneba, and other areas in collaboration with Access Bank for financial inclusion.
The award provides a critical boost for the next phase of NETCYCLE AFRICA’s growth, enabling the project to accelerate its expansion to 20 additional African countries by 2030. This scale-up plan builds on a proven model that protects marine ecosystems while strengthening income opportunities for coastal communities.
Looking ahead, the 2025 edition of the Prince Talal International Prize will spotlight SDG 7—Affordable & Clean Energy. Chaint Afrique Academy encourages NGOs and development organisations working in the clean energy space to apply for recognition.
As NETCYCLE AFRICA enters this new chapter, Chaint Afrique Academy is actively seeking corporate partnerships to deepen its reach within rural coastal communities. These collaborations will amplify environmental impact, strengthen circular economy pathways and support long-term social and economic development beyond reducing waste fishnets.
