Ward took on the responsibility of driving sustainable growth for NAMé Recycling across Africa, adapting his role as the company’s needs evolved.

Ward initially led a crowdfunding campaign and supported NAMé’s management team through a complex due diligence process. As recycled plastic prices collapsed and export channels froze, he focused on financial restructuring, buyer engagement, and cost control. Later in the year, as the company regained stability, he shifted back toward long-term goals—developing reporting systems, onboarding the new CFO, and exploring international partnerships to support future growth.

The project placed Ward at the heart of high-stakes decision-making in a resource-constrained environment. “I’ve learned to think like an owner—spot problems, bring solutions, and take full responsibility.” He built new skills in financial management and fundraising, strengthened his confidence, and transitioned from the NGO sector into a private-sector role. The experience opened the door to his current position at Hydrobox, where he now leads fundraising and business development across East and Central Africa.