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Sharon Kendi is a trailblazing leader at the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. As Miss Planet Kenya 2024 and the founder of the African Deposit System, she is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Passionate about breaking barriers for women and youth, she has transformed personal experiences into a mission-driven movement—one that tackles systemic biases, fosters economic opportunity, and champions environmental responsibility. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the vision behind her innovative recycling initiative, and her unwavering belief in the power of young entrepreneurs to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa.
Sharon, as Miss Planet Kenya 2024 and the founder of the African Deposit System, you are a remarkable force at the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and empowerment. What drives your passion for creating opportunities for women and youth in entrepreneurship?
My drive to create opportunities for women and youth in entrepreneurship stems from a deeply personal understanding of the challenges they face. As Miss Planet Kenya 2024 and the founder of ADS, I’ve witnessed firsthand how systemic limitations stifle potential. For young women, career progression is often obstructed by a ‘glass ceiling’—an invisible barrier woven from deep-rooted biases and organizational structures that disproportionately favor men.
This isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s a lived reality. We constantly battle stereotypes and biases that question our leadership capabilities and make assumptions about our lives. These misconceptions pigeonhole us into predefined roles, denying us the opportunities necessary for growth. The resulting sense of alienation and frustration can erode motivation and lead to the loss of invaluable talent.
The African Deposit System (ADS) is my response to this reality. I believe entrepreneurship, when properly supported, can be a powerful tool for breaking these barriers. By providing access to resources, mentorship, and networks, we empower women and youth to create their own opportunities, define success on their terms, and shatter the glass ceiling once and for all. My passion is fueled by the vision of a world where every young woman can realize her full potential—free from bias, empowered to lead, and encouraged to innovate, not just survive.
The African Deposit System is an innovative initiative with the potential to transform communities. Can you share the story behind its creation and the impact you envision on sustainable development in Africa?
At its core, the African Deposit System is a response to a deep-seated sense of responsibility and a search for purpose. The idea took root during a trip to Ghana in 2021. While there with my family, I was struck by the sheer volume of plastic bottles we discarded. Coming from Denmark, where recycling is second nature, the contrast was unsettling. It wasn’t just the environmental impact that troubled me—it was the lost potential, the missed opportunity to turn waste into something valuable.
That experience stayed with me, gnawing at my conscience. At the same time, I was in a period of deep personal reflection—praying, fasting, and seeking clarity on my purpose. I asked God to show me how I could make a meaningful impact. The convergence of these experiences led me to a realization: Africa needed a sustainable, community-driven solution to waste management.
The African Deposit System was born from that vision. It’s designed to create a circular economy where plastic bottles and other recyclable materials are collected, processed, and reintroduced into the production cycle rather than discarded. We envision a network of collection points that incentivize community participation through a deposit system, much like the one I was familiar with in Denmark.
The impact I envision is transformative.First, it’s about environmental sustainability—reducing plastic waste to protect ecosystems and create cleaner, healthier communities. Second, it’s about economic empowerment—generating jobs and income opportunities, particularly for women and youth, to foster economic growth and reduce poverty. Third, it’s about community development—instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Ultimately, the African Deposit System represents a sustainable future where waste is seen not as a burden but as a resource, where communities are empowered, and where environmental stewardship becomes a shared responsibility. It’s a testament to the power of a single experience, a moment of reflection, and a deep desire to make a difference.
For many young women, stepping into entrepreneurship can feel like an uphill battle due to limited resources, societal expectations, or self-doubt. What key lessons have you learned that could empower them to take that leap?
Stepping into entrepreneurship as a young woman can feel like climbing a steep mountain. I’ve faced my own share of challenges, and along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I believe can empower others.
First and foremost, believe in yourself and invest in yourself relentlessly. Confidence is important, but it’s not enough—actively nurture your skills, expand your knowledge, and develop a strong mindset. Seek mentorship, continuously learn, and don’t hesitate to invest financially in your growth. You are your most valuable asset.
Second, take a risk on yourself. We often take risks for others—our families, employers, and communities—yet hesitate to do the same for ourselves. This hesitation is a disservice to our own potential. Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and trusting your ability to navigate challenges.
Fear of failure is a common obstacle, but I’ve come to realize that the real danger isn’t failing—it’s stagnating. Even if your initial venture doesn’t go as planned, the experience will be invaluable. You’ll gain insights about yourself, the market, and the world, opening doors you never even knew existed. Every successful entrepreneur has faced setbacks; what sets them apart is resilience and an unwavering belief in their vision.
Don’t wait for others to believe in you—show them why they should by believing in yourself first. When you take that leap, you inspire others to do the same, paving the way for a future where your potential is fully realized.
Sustainability and innovation are crucial for Africa’s future. How do you see young entrepreneurs shaping solutions that are both profitable and socially impactful?
Young entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Africa’s sustainable future. They are redefining development—moving beyond traditional models to create solutions that are not only profitable but also transformative for the environment and society.
We live in a globally interconnected world. African entrepreneurs today are not just solving local problems; they are contributing to global conversations on sustainability, technology, and social justice. This global reach presents both a great responsibility and an incredible opportunity.
Economic growth can no longer come at the expense of the planet or our communities. Young entrepreneurs, driven by purpose and a desire for meaningful change, are embracing circular economy principles, renewable energy solutions, and social enterprises that tackle poverty and inequality. However, potential alone isn’t enough. To translate ideas into impact, we need stronger support systems—access to funding, mentorship, and policies that encourage sustainable entrepreneurship.
To truly unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential, we must:
Invest in education and skills training to equip young innovators with the tools for success.
Improve access to finance through seed funding, grants, and microloans.
Strengthen mentorship networks to connect emerging entrepreneurs with experienced industry leaders.Advocate for regulatory frameworks that incentivize sustainability and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing to build a culture of innovation.
By investing in young entrepreneurs, we are investing in Africa’s future—a future defined by sustainability, equity, and lasting positive change.
Your influence extends beyond the crown—you are shaping a legacy of empowerment and innovation. Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish, and how can others join you in creating a future where women and youth lead with confidence and purpose?
Looking ahead, my mission is to build a future where women and youth lead with unwavering confidence and purpose. However, this mission is not about me personally—it’s about a vision that resonates with countless others. People aren’t joining me; they are valuing an idea, a movement, and playing their part in making it a reality.
My aspirations extend far beyond my lifetime. A key accomplishment would be establishing long-term, sustainable solutions that integrate sustainability, job creation, economic growth, and digitalization. Additionally, I aim to expand access to education on Africa’s history, challenges, and successes—so we can create our own solutions for our own people.
Creating this future requires collective effort. It’s about recognizing that everyone has a role to play—whether by supporting initiatives that empower women and youth, advocating for policies that drive sustainable development, or investing in education and innovation. It’s about amplifying the voices of changemakers and understanding that real impact is built through collaboration, not individual action.
The future we want won’t be shaped by one person—it will be the result of a movement that outlives us all.