Founded by Wada Kealotswe, a seasoned Development Economist with over a decade of experience, the company has been operational for four years, making significant strides in both sustainability and employment.
With a focus on recycling, Eco Zera manufactures eco-friendly graphite and colour pencils from recycled newspapers, offering a unique product that not only reduces waste but also combats deforestation. “What makes our product special is that it is made from recycled newspapers which could be going to the landfill increasing gases that are not environmentally friendly,” Kealotswe explains, emphasising the eco-friendly aspect of her business. The company, which began with Kealotswe's deep-rooted passion for recycling, now employs a dedicated team of three permanent staff members, supported by 15 part-time employees, many of whom are young individuals entering the workforce for the first time. This hands-on approach to manufacturing ensures that the products are 80% handmade, allowing Eco Zera to maintain high employment levels while perfecting the art of pencil production.
Kealotswe's journey to entrepreneurship was influenced by her grandmother, an entrepreneur herself, and her early experiences in business.
"I grew up with my grandmother who was an entrepreneur and I guess that rubbed off on me," she recalls. Although her initial ventures, including a cosmetics business and a paper bag manufacturing company, faced challenges, they provided her with valuable lessons that she applied to the creation of Eco Zera. Her participation in the 2019 World Bank Youth Summit, where she pitched a paper recycling project that reached the semifinals, further fuelled her desire to explore sustainable business practices.
"The thought of knowing that some trees are cut down for the manufacturing of wood pencils motivated me to recycle," she adds. Today, Eco Zera's pencils are more than just writing tools—they are symbols of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The company's mission to reduce waste and provide eco-friendly alternatives has not gone unnoticed, earning recognition as a runner-up in the 2021 Catalyst SEED awards in the Waste Management category.
Stories of their impact have been featured on international platforms such as Forbes and Xinhua, highlighting the global significance of their work. Looking ahead, Kealotswe envisions Eco Zera expanding its reach to global markets while continuing to create sustainable employment opportunities.
"My plans and aspirations for the company are to see it upscale and be able to reach the global markets while creating viable employment for the masses," she says. Her journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women.
Her advice to others is simple yet profound: "Do not wait to have enough money to start anything, the little you have can help you start something small that will help you achieve your bigger goal. Be consistent and persevere in all circumstances—it’s not always easy."
