In 2023, Ismail Konneh returned to Liberia after completing his undergraduate studies at the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. He was deeply moved by the struggles his family faced, living on less than $1.90 a day after his brother lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to create a sustainable solution for his family, Ismail decided to start a business.

While exploring opportunities, he noticed young men collecting discarded metals like iron and can cups to sell for survival. Many traveled long distances to reach local iron fields. To him, this highlights the widespread unemployment and poverty beyond statistics. Seeing both a social need and a business opportunity, Ismail invested just $600 to co-start an iron field with his brother in Paynesville.

Within three months, the business attracted over 15 regular suppliers, becoming the first iron field in the community. But as relationships grew, Ismail and his brother realized that income alone was not enough — many suppliers struggled with addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges stemming from their experiences as child soldiers during Liberia’s 14 years of civil war.

This insight shaped KKMG’s mission. Today, we do more than trade scrap metal — we provide fair income, mentorship, peer support, and mental health guidance, helping youth overcome trauma, build dignity, and reclaim hope through sustainable and ethical collection processes. KKMG was born from a simple business idea, but its purpose has grown into a movement: transforming waste into opportunity and changing lives in the process.