To boost sustainable socio-economic development and to serve as a catalyst for innovation, job creation and economic growth, starting in Niger and Portugal.

TARGET

GROUP

To create wealth and new jobs for urban residents in the field of waste collection and processing, particularly for young people and women, using a sustainable circular method of waste processing.

WASTE

CREATES JOBS

Focusing on unemployed young people and women, a roll-out across Niamey could create up to 4,000 jobs, estimated to increase by a factor of five when applied throughout the country of Niger. This approach can be applied throughout multiple countries in Africa with similar conditions.

OUR VISION

We believe that the ultimate role of a non-profit organization

is to make itself obsolete.

At AWV, our foundation was born from a fundamental question: What should be the true role of a non-profit organization? This question goes beyond our mission—it defines every decision we make, regardless of scale or setting. It is the essence of what sets us apart. What does this mean in practice?

We aim to build lasting local capacity

Our vision is to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and a network of dedicated individuals, enabling local communities to independently grow and sustain long-term initiatives that improve thousands of lives.

Our focus is clear and targeted

We are committed to implementing our initiative in Portugal and Niger, with the goal of expanding it from a local effort to a national movement—and eventually, beyond.

We have identified the next steps

In the long term, we plan to replicate this model a.o. in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Mozambique, and Angola. We focus on countries which have the right conditions for effective implementation and offer promising opportunities for building a strong, sustainable network of partners.

Our timeline is bold but deliberate

With a maximum of 20 years, we aim to achieve lasting impact by establishing sustainable infrastructure across these regions. We are equally committed to fostering educational awareness and ensuring that knowledge is translated into practical, real-world solutions.

OUR

MISSION

To boost sustainable socio-economic development and to serve as a catalyst for innovation, job creation and economic growth, starting in Niger and Portugal.

TARGET

GROUP

To create wealth and new jobs for urban residents in the field of waste collection and processing, particularly for young people and women.

WASTE

CREATES JOBS

Focusing on unemployed young people and women, a possible roll-out across Niamey could create up to 4,000 jobs, estimated to increase by a factor of five when applied throughout Niger.

OUR VISION

We believe that the ultimate role of a non-

profit organization

is to make itself obsolete.

At AWV, our foundation was born from a fundamental question: What should be the true role of a non-profit organization?

This question goes beyond our mission—it defines every decision we make, regardless of scale or setting. It is the essence of what sets us apart.

What does this mean in practice?

We aim to build lasting local capacity
Our vision is to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and a network of dedicated individuals, enabling local communities to independently grow and sustain long-term initiatives that improve thousands of lives.
Our focus is clear and targeted
We are committed to implementing our initiative in Portugal and Niger, with the goal of expanding it from a local effort to a national movement—and eventually, beyond.
We have identified the next steps
In the long term, we plan to replicate this model in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Mozambique, and Angola. These countries have the right conditions for effective implementation and offer promising opportunities for building a strong, sustainable network of partners.
Our timeline is bold but deliberate
Within a maximum of 20 years, we aim to achieve lasting impact by establishing sustainable infrastructure across these regions. We are equally committed to fostering educational awareness and ensuring that knowledge is translated into practical, real-world solutions.

RECENT WORK

Recent work, updates and more

May 29, 2026

Major milestone for AWV Waste to Value program: Granulator transport secured!

After months of preparation, fundraising, logistics planning, and coordination with our partners, the necessary funding has been secured to transport the first compost granulator to Niamey.

Read the full post

The granulator will play a key role in the next phase of our project, enabling the production of granulated compost from household organic waste streams. This technology has the potential to transform organic waste into a valuable agricultural input while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

Over the coming weeks, our technical team will begin a remote advisory and training trajectory with local partners to support the introduction of granulated compost production in Niger for the first time.

The expected impact includes:

Reduction of organic waste entering the urban waste stream in Niamey
Creation of sustainable local employment opportunities
Production of higher-value compost products for farmers
Improved soil fertility and agricultural productivity
Strengthening of circular economy practices and local resilience

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our partners, donors, and supporters.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this milestone possible.

More updates on the transport, installation, training activities, and first results will follow as soon as possible!

January 22, 2026

First milestone achieved!

AWV is excited to announce that, thanks to our first generous donations, AWV has secured the funding for one compost granulator for our Waste to Value program in Niger!

Read the full post

We now aim to raise €3,500 - €5,000 to cover transportation costs from the Netherlands to Niger (by air or sea). Every contribution brings us closer to launching Niger’s first granulated compost production. Granulated compost improves nutrient absorption and water retention in soil, and enables larger-scale distribution to farmers across the country.

With this, AWV will also be able to increase production capacity and help us move from trial stage to full agricultural impact on a national level, creating sustainable job employment and reduce a significant part of the household waste streams: a game-changer for the country and for AWV itself.

Visit our main crowdfunding page: Waste to Value Niger | Associação Waste to Value (Powered by Donorbox), support and / or share our initiative through your networks!

January 4, 2026

First donations are in - Thank you!

AWV is excited to announce that the first donations are made for our Waste to Value program in Niger!

Read the full post

As we enter 2026, we are incredibly grateful for the early support that is helping us kickstart the next phase of our program: turning organic waste into value through sustainable composting solutions.

Thanks to your contributions, we are getting closer to:

Acquiring and transporting granulators to Niamey
Scaling up compost production and training local teams
Creating sustainable jobs
Improving soil fertility and reducing waste streams

Your continued support can help us reach our full goal of €25,000.

Click here for our Donorbox page or on the donate button on the website!:

Waste to Value Niger | Associação Waste to Value (Powered by Donorbox)

Every donation helps us grow our impact across Niger and beyond.

Thank you!

1 2 3 … 5 Next »

Blog

RECENT WORK

Recent work, updates and more

May 29, 2026

Major milestone for AWV Waste to Value program: Granulator transport secured!

After months of preparation, fundraising, logistics planning, and coordination with our partners, the necessary funding has been secured to transport the first compost granulator to Niamey.

Read the full post

The granulator will play a key role in the next phase of our project, enabling the production of granulated compost from household organic waste streams. This technology has the potential to transform organic waste into a valuable agricultural input while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

Over the coming weeks, our technical team will begin a remote advisory and training trajectory with local partners to support the introduction of granulated compost production in Niger for the first time.

The expected impact includes:

Reduction of organic waste entering the urban waste stream in Niamey
Creation of sustainable local employment opportunities
Production of higher-value compost products for farmers
Improved soil fertility and agricultural productivity
Strengthening of circular economy practices and local resilience

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our partners, donors, and supporters.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this milestone possible.

More updates on the transport, installation, training activities, and first results will follow as soon as possible!

January 22, 2026

First milestone achieved!

AWV is excited to announce that, thanks to our first generous donations, AWV has secured the funding for one compost granulator for our Waste to Value program in Niger!

Read the full post

We now aim to raise €3,500 - €5,000 to cover transportation costs from the Netherlands to Niger (by air or sea). Every contribution brings us closer to launching Niger’s first granulated compost production. Granulated compost improves nutrient absorption and water retention in soil, and enables larger-scale distribution to farmers across the country.

With this, AWV will also be able to increase production capacity and help us move from trial stage to full agricultural impact on a national level, creating sustainable job employment and reduce a significant part of the household waste streams: a game-changer for the country and for AWV itself.

Visit our main crowdfunding page: Waste to Value Niger | Associação Waste to Value (Powered by Donorbox), support and / or share our initiative through your networks!

January 4, 2026

First donations are in - Thank you!

AWV is excited to announce that the first donations are made for our Waste to Value program in Niger!

Read the full post

As we enter 2026, we are incredibly grateful for the early support that is helping us kickstart the next phase of our program: turning organic waste into value through sustainable composting solutions.

Thanks to your contributions, we are getting closer to:

Acquiring and transporting granulators to Niamey
Scaling up compost production and training local teams
Creating sustainable jobs
Improving soil fertility and reducing waste streams

Your continued support can help us reach our full goal of €25,000.

Click here for our Donorbox page or on the donate button on the website!:

Waste to Value Niger | Associação Waste to Value (Powered by Donorbox)

Every donation helps us grow our impact across Niger and beyond.

Thank you!

1 2 3 … 5 Next »

Blog

BECOME A MEMBER

We like to involve people of all walks of life with the work that we do.

Individuals and legal entities willing to contribute to AWV’s objectives by paying membership fees may become active members and as part of the process, take seat in our General Assembly, the main governing body of our association.

AWV has the following member categories:

a) Founders: Individuals who sign the founding document.

b) Full Members: Individuals admitted by the Board under our Statutes.

c) Associate Members: Individuals or legal entities admitted by the Board.

d) Youth Members: Individuals under 18 years of age.

e) Honorary Members: Individuals or legal entities recognized for significant contributions to AWV or environmental protection.

Full and youth members are admitted by the Board upon completing a membership application and paying the fee.

The General Assembly may grant full membership status to associate members who:

a) Have engaged in significant voluntary work or provided financial support to AWV for at least one year.
b) Have paid uninterrupted membership fees for two years.

As we aim to expand our activities significantly over time, we want to involve our members even more by organizing conferences and other events to meet and share valuable knowledge.

The following annual membership fees apply from 2025 onwards:

• Students: €120
• Private individuals: €250
• Companies and other entities: €500

So, don’t wait and be a part of our initiative, your investment matters in making our world a better place!

Donate

Contact

Us Now!

BECOME A MEMBER

We like to involve people of all walks of life with the work that we do.

Individuals and legal entities willing to contribute to AWV’s objectives by paying membership fees may become active members and as part of the process, take seat in our General Assembly, the main governing body of our association.

More

Details

Contact

Us

AWV has the following member categories:

a) Founders: Individuals who sign the founding document.
b) Full Members: Individuals admitted by the Board under our Statutes.
c) Associate Members: Individuals or legal entities admitted by the Board.
d) Youth Members: Individuals under 18 years of age.
e) Honorary Members: Individuals or legal entities recognized for significant contributions to AWV or environmental protection.

Full and youth members are admitted by the Board upon completing a membership application and paying the fee.
The General Assembly may grant full membership status to associate members who:
a) Have engaged in significant voluntary work or provided financial support to AWV for at least one year.
b) Have paid uninterrupted membership fees for two years.

The following annual membership fees apply from 2025 onwards:
• Students: €120
• Private individuals: €250
• Companies and other entities: €500

As we aim to expand our activities significantly over time, we want to involve our members even more by organizing conferences and other events to meet and share valuable knowledge.

So, don’t wait and be a part of our initiative, to make a valid contribution in making our world a better place!

Donate

MEET THE TEAM

A passionate team dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

The Board

Hover for profile details

David

Brandsma

President

David is an experienced project manager, having worked many years in the international development sector, mainly for francophone countries in Africa. David will be responsible as director for outlining the long-term strategy and promotion of AWV.

Frans

Follings

Vice-president

Frans is a distinguished expert in waste management and a seasoned managing director with extensive experience on the international stage. In his role as Vice-President of the Board, Frans will apply his expertise to support the technical aspects of our advisory work in Niger.

Miguel

Baumgartner

Secretary-General

Miguel is a dynamic consultant and political analyst at CNN, bringing years of valuable experience in building strategic business networks across diverse partnerships. His strong commitment to transparency and accuracy drives his work, qualities that will be instrumental in his role as Secretary-General, where he will oversee day-to-day operations with dedication and precision.

Kim

Nagtegaal

Boardmember

Kim brings extensive experience in international development, having led numerous advisory projects across Africa and Asia. Her strong focus on the circular economy and sustainability will be a significant asset to our association in her role as a Board Member.

Willemijn

van Wageningen

Boardmember

Willemijn brings extensive experience in international development, having managed a wide range of advisory projects in Francophone Africa and Latin America. Her expertise in strategic management and organizational ethics will be a valuable contribution to our association in her role as a Board Member.

General Assembly

Hover for profile details

Jeannine

Nash

President

Jeannine is an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong focus on organizational improvement and office management. As President, she brings added value by effectively overseeing meetings and guiding the voting process for future decisions within the association.

Remco

van den Berg

Vice-president

Remco brings many years of experience in international development and will serve as Vice-President of the General Assembly, helping to ensure the high quality of our work. His additional background in consular services further enhances his ability to provide valuable guidance as we navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.

Robin

Schellevis

Secretary

Robin brings extensive experience in the nuclear industry, with a strong track record of analytical thinking and a results-driven approach. His ability to identify core issues and drive impactful outcomes will be a significant asset to the association in his role as Secretary of the General Assembly.

Fiscal Board

Hover for profile details

Naira

Mkrtchyan

President

Naira brings extensive experience as a director in the agribusiness and rural development sector. Her expertise in maximizing financial impact for clients will be highly valuable to the association in her role as President.

Thijs

Luxemburg

Vice-president

Thijs brings extensive experience as a Senior Project Manager, with a strong focus on the accurate and timely delivery of international IR projects. His expertise will be highly valuable to the association, particularly in upholding these same principles in financial oversight through his role as Vice-President.

Sjoerd

Valkenburg

Secretary

Sjoerd brings extensive experience as an International Commercial Manager, with a strong commitment to sustainability and a proven ability to deliver results in challenging environments. His contributions as Secretary will be highly valuable to the association.

MEET THE TEAM

A passionate team dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

The Board

Tap for profile details

David

Brandsma

Director

David is an experienced project manager, having worked many years in the international development sector, mainly for francophone countries in Africa. David will be responsible as director for outlining the long-term strategy and promotion of AWV.

Frans

Follings

Vice-president

Frans is a distinguished expert in waste management and a seasoned managing director with extensive experience on the international stage. In his role as Vice-President of the Board, Frans will apply his expertise to support the technical aspects of our advisory work in Niger.

Miguel

Baumgartner

Secretary-General

Miguel is a dynamic consultant and political analyst at CNN, bringing years of valuable experience in building strategic business networks across diverse partnerships. His strong commitment to transparency and accuracy drives his work, qualities that will be instrumental in his role as Secretary-General, where he will oversee day-to-day operations with dedication and precision.

Kim

Nagtegaal

Boardmember

Kim brings extensive experience in international development, having led numerous advisory projects across Africa and Asia. Her strong focus on the circular economy and sustainability will be a significant asset to our association in her role as a Board Member.

Willemijn

van Wageningen

Boardmember

Willemijn brings extensive experience in international development, having managed a wide range of advisory projects in Francophone Africa and Latin America. Her expertise in strategic management and organizational ethics will be a valuable contribution to our association in her role as a Board Member.

General Assembly

Tap for profile details

Jeannine

Nash

President

Jeannine is an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong focus on organizational improvement and office management. As President, she brings added value by effectively overseeing meetings and guiding the voting process for future decisions within the association.

Remco

van den Berg

Vice-president

Remco brings many years of experience in international development and will serve as Vice-President of the General Assembly, helping to ensure the high quality of our work. His additional background in consular services further enhances his ability to provide valuable guidance as we navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.

Robin

Schellevis

Secretary

Robin brings extensive experience in the nuclear industry, with a strong track record of analytical thinking and a results-driven approach. His ability to identify core issues and drive impactful outcomes will be a significant asset to the association in his role as Secretary of the General Assembly.

Fiscal Board

Tap for profile details

Naira

Mkrtchyan

President

Naira brings extensive experience as a director in the agribusiness and rural development sector. Her expertise in maximizing financial impact for clients will be highly valuable to the association in her role as President.

Thijs

Luxemburg

Vice-president

Thijs brings extensive experience as a Senior Project Manager, with a strong focus on the accurate and timely delivery of international IR projects. His expertise will be highly valuable to the association, particularly in upholding these same principles in financial oversight through his role as Vice-President.

Sjoerd

Valkenburg

Secretary

Sjoerd brings extensive experience as an International Commercial Manager, with a strong commitment to sustainability and a proven ability to deliver results in challenging environments. His contributions as Secretary will be highly valuable to the association.