Is this Africa’s largest waste management challenge? 

• Lagos churns out 13,000 tonnes of waste daily—yet nearly half goes uncollected. The sheer scale and dysfunction position the city as ground zero for testing whether African megacities can truly manage their waste.

• While other African cities face similar challenges, Lagos stands out for its size, density and plastic consumption. The city’s rapid growth and overstretched informal sector make its waste crisis uniquely complex.

• Our take: Lagos may be Africa’s toughest waste challenge. If the city gets it right, it won’t just clean its streets. It could become a model for resilience and circular innovation across the continent… Read more (2 min)

Tech tracker: Plastic recycling tops innovation

• Developed by state-owned VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Olefy’s technology improves the use of plastic waste unsuitable for mechanical recycling, which is typically sent to landfills or burned for energy.

• Japan's Plastic Polyethylene Manufacturing Technology combines a Laser Filter and Sand Remover System to remove contaminants like sand, dirt and ink, which have traditionally hindered the production of high-quality recycled materials.

• Our take: These technologies could revolutionise waste management in Africa. However, successful implementation will require strategic partnerships to adapt them to local contexts and scale effectively within the continent’s circular economy… Read more (2 min)

Waste Management Inc. is Africa’s fastest-growing waste firm

• With just 40 employees, Waste Management Inc. is a mid-size player in Africa’s waste sector. However, its rapid staff increase over the past year suggests a commitment to expanding its footprint. 

• In particular, the company’s 50% increase in its sales and business development team signals a focused effort to capture more market share and grow its regional presence, while challenging larger, more established players in the industry.

• Our take: While the company’s rapid growth is impressive, its expansion with limited resources—particularly the absence of a highly educated senior team—raises concerns about long-term sustainability…Read more (2 min)

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