TribesAndHistory: What is your full name, and how would you like to be addressed?

Martin: Thank you so much. My full name is Martin Mulenga, but I prefer to be addressed as Sir Martin.

TribesAndHistory: Perfect. So, Sir Martin, how can readers connect with you? Do you use LinkedIn, or do you have a personal website?

Martin: Mostly on Facebook. That’s where people can easily reach me.

TribesAndHistory: Where are you from originally?

Martin: I’m from Lusaka, Zambia.

TribesAndHistory: And what do you do, Sir Martin?

Martin: Thank you so much. I founded Integral Cooperative Society, a company based in Lusaka. We focus on waste management, environmental clean-ups, and recycling. My vision is deeply rooted in environmental conservation, climate action, and building sustainable communities.

TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to start this company?

Martin: Honestly, it came from observing the state of the environment around me. Waste management is often left to people with no recognition or fair pay. I wanted to change that narrative. Too often, clean-up work is looked down on, but it is critical to public health and sustainability.

I realized I couldn’t just talk about environmental issues without taking practical action. That’s why I began organizing community clean-ups. At first, people didn’t understand what I was doing. Some even accused me of practicing witchcraft because I was cleaning my community so passionately. But eventually, my work attracted attention. I was interviewed by major media outlets, featured in newspapers, and even appeared on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

From there, I partnered with other passionate young people who shared my vision for a cleaner Zambia. That led to forming an organization, and later a company, because as a company, we could offer services to households and businesses while also creating employment. We even received support from local business leaders, which helped us grow.

TribesAndHistory: That’s powerful. How would you say it’s going so far?

Martin: It’s going well, though not without challenges. In the beginning, I started with no money, just passion and determination. But today, we are recognized as one of the leading waste management companies in Zambia.

We are not just doing this for profit. We approach our work with passion and purpose, making sure people see waste as something valuable. For example, we are turning waste into products like fire bricks and other reusable materials. That’s how we’re changing the narrative: waste is not just rubbish; waste has value.

TribesAndHistory: Could you share two key moments in your journey that shaped the leader you are today?

Martin: One was when I realized that waste could be transformed into useful products, which shifted my mindset forever. The second was seeing my community slowly embrace the vision. People who once mocked me later joined me, and that showed me the power of persistence.

TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage influenced your journey?

Martin: A lot. I draw inspiration from my grandparents, who taught me the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. In African culture, a clean and green environment is tied to dignity and community pride. Growing up, people cared not just for their homes but also for the community spaces around them.

Unfortunately, many have abandoned that practice, adopting a “city mindset” where people only care about their yards. But our heritage reminds us that we are custodians of the land, and that spirit is what drives me.

TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?

Martin: I want to be remembered as someone who started a movement without money, just passion. Too often, people think you need huge funding to care for the environment. I want young people to know that passion and commitment are enough to begin.

I want to leave behind a generation that sees the environment not as a burden but as a blessing, and waste not as rubbish but as a resource. My legacy is to show that from humble beginnings, we can create something impactful for Africa and the world.

TribesAndHistory: That’s inspiring. Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for young people?

Martin: Yes. Don’t be fooled by politicians or leaders who only talk about the environment but do nothing. If we don’t take action ourselves, the future will be worse for the next generation.

Every young person should understand that caring for the environment is a moral duty. If we destroy it, we destroy our future. But if we protect it, we protect life itself.

TribesAndHistory: Thank you so much, Sir Martin. We truly appreciate your time and the work you’re doing.