Inside Africa’s million dollar garbage business

Africa is facing significant challenges in solid waste management, with low collection rates, high levels of open dumping, and a lack of adequate treatment infrastructure leading to environmental and health problems. The urban population in Africa has been growing rapidly, placing immense pressure on urban cities when it comes to waste management. The total waste generated in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to triple from 174 million tonnes per year in 2016 to 516 million tonnes per year by 2050. This surge in waste production poses grave health concerns linked to landfills and illegal dumping sites across the continent. A recurring issue across Africa is the lack of sewage sanitation systems, forcing a large portion of the population to rely on dispersed toilets. The challenge lies in safely emptying and transporting faecal sludge in a sustainable manner, exacerbated by factors like climate change-induced flooding that can lead to contamination. Ghana, for example, used to dump liquid waste directly into the sea until recent state-of-the-art technologies were introduced to treat wastewater, preventing further environmental degradation. Rwanda stands out as a leader in waste management through initiatives like a plastic ban, significantly reducing pollution levels. The country views urbanization not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for economic growth, implementing master plans to spread urbanization across different cities. Projects like the centralized sewage treatment plant in Kigali reflect Rwanda's commitment to advancing waste management infrastructure. The Jospun Group of Companies has played a pivotal role in developing solutions for urban waste management in Africa. The establishment of a material recovery facility, the largest of its kind on the continent, showcases innovative approaches to waste separation, value addition, and reuse. This underscores the potential of the waste ecosystem under a circular economy to address the high unemployment rates among Africa's youth. Kenya, as East Africa's largest economy, continues to grapple with waste management issues, exemplified by the overflowing Dandora landfill near Korogosho slums in the capital. Despite challenges, new technologies offer African countries the prospect of turning waste into valuable resources. Ghana's transformation from a landfill-laden landscape to a thriving waste economy highlights the vast opportunities within the sector. Zoom Lion, a key player in Ghana's waste management sector, has revolutionized waste collection and sorting processes, ensuring intermediate treatment, recycling, and final disposal. These investments have not only led to improved agricultural output through compost manure but have also contributed to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, benefitting the environment. By diverting waste from landfills and incorporating recycling practices, countries like Ghana are moving towards a more sustainable waste management model, creating a positive impact on both the economy and the environment. In conclusion, the transformation of Africa's waste management sector into a million-dollar business showcases the continent's potential to generate new revenue streams, create green jobs, and mitigate environmental challenges. By leveraging innovative technologies and adopting sustainable practices, African countries are not only addressing the pressing issue of waste management but also fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.