Startup Kubik, specializing in the transformation of plastic refuse into construction materials, has successfully garnered an additional $1.9 million in seed funding. This financial infusion comes from a consortium of investors, including African Renaissance Partners, Endgame Capital, and King Philanthropies, all of whom share a commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.
The investment will bolster Kubik’s operational capabilities in Ethiopia, particularly after the inauguration of their production facility in Addis Ababa. Here, the company converts plastic debris into modular construction elements such as bricks and beams. Kubik’s CEO, Kidus Asfaw, has expressed the company’s ambition to not only intensify its Ethiopian operations but also to set the stage for expansion across the African continent starting from 2025.
Employing its proprietary technology, Kubik upcycles plastic waste into eco-friendly, resilient, and cost-effective building supplies. Asfaw revealed plans to license this technology to other companies to prompt a Pan-African and eventual global proliferation of this sustainable manufacturing method.
Our goal is to address urban environmental challenges with a fully circular business model. Currently, we are proving the viability of our model in Ethiopia. Our strategy includes demonstrating the adaptability of our approach in diverse markets before transitioning to a licensing model,
Asfaw explained. In 2021, he co-launched Kubik along with Penda Marre.
Asfaw highlighted the efficiency of their products, which allow for the construction of walls without conventional materials such as cement, steel, or aggregates. This innovation not only accelerates the building process but also reduces construction costs by roughly 40% per square meter—a significant advantage for affordable housing developments.
The materials produced by Kubik have been verified by the European standards organization Intertek for safety, ensuring they meet criteria such as strength, non-toxicity, and fire resistance. Asfaw emphasized the importance of safety in their products, noting that sales did not commence until these certifications were secured.
Currently, Kubik recycles around 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste daily, with the capacity to process up to 45,000 kilograms. The startup has forged partnerships with local corporations and the city of Addis Ababa to secure a steady stream of plastic waste. Looking ahead, Kubik plans to diversify its product range to include items like pavers and floor materials.
With global plastic production reaching 430 million tons annually, two-thirds of which are intended for short-lived uses, the necessity for innovative waste management solutions is critical. This is particularly urgent in African cities, where unchecked plastic waste poses a severe environmental threat. Startups like Kubik are poised to lead the charge in offering sustainable remedies to this growing crisis.
