Future water is already flowing through our cities

July 15, 2026

Dear subscriber,

Africa's water challenge is usually framed as a search for new supplies. But a part of the solution has been overlooked all along.  We explore why governments are beginning to rethink one of the continent's most underutilised resources—and what that could mean for the circular economy.

Mercy Maina – Editor

As freshwater supplies come under growing pressure, African nations are looking beyond rivers, dams and aquifers to strengthen water security. Wastewater is increasingly viewed as a recoverable resource capable of supplying reclaimed water while generating energy, nutrients and industrial feedstocks for the circular economy. 

  • Africa generates an estimated 28 billion cubic metres of wastewater annually, much of which is discharged with little or no treatment, representing a largely untapped resource. 

  • The UN's latest SDG 6 report argues wastewater reuse and water efficiency must accelerate, positioning treated wastewater as an increasingly important pillar of future water security. 

  • Our take: Wastewater infrastructure should be treated as strategic water infrastructure rather than simply a sanitation service… Read more (2 min)

Organic waste continues to pile up in landfills and uncontrolled dumps while farmers grapple with soaring feed and fertiliser costs. Piotr Barczak of Africa Circular argues black soldier fly farming can help address both challenges by turning organic waste into valuable agricultural inputs, while creating new economic opportunities.

  • Mr Barczak is the Circular Economy Programme Manager at Africa Circular, a non-profit advancing circular economy solutions on the continent. The organisation implemented the 2024–2026 BUGS project, which used black soldier fly technology to improve food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and valorise organic waste in Uganda, Ethiopia and Ivory Coast. 

  • “The black soldier fly is nature’s recycler. During their larval stage, the insects consume large quantities of organic waste, converting it into two valuable agricultural products: larval biomass, a high-quality source of protein and fat for animal feed, and frass, the nutrient-rich residue that can be used to improve soil fertility and structure” he says.

  • Read the full opinion article here (2 min)

Circular Rising has curated 27 open jobs across Africa's circular economy this month. Technical roles dominate, accounting for just over half (14) of the advertised positions. Employers are seeking specialist talent, including engineers and circular economy specialists, across sectors such as water, mining, manufacturing and renewable energy.

  • The remaining vacancies span strategic, commercial, finance, advisory and leadership functions, including sustainability management, private sector engagement and business development. 

  • Southern Africa accounts for the largest share of this month's vacancies, with 12 roles, including nine in South Africa alone.

  • Apply for these roles here (2 min)

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Source: Octavia Carbon

Workers install carbon-mineralised concrete pavers on a Nairobi street

Events

🤝 Participate in SA’s CE & Economic Transformation Conference (Aug 21)

📦 Sign up for the 6th Africa International E-Waste Conference in Kenya (Oct 15)

🪪 Network at WasteCon 2026 in South Africa (Oct 20)

Various 

💦 Untreated wastewater remains one of the world's biggest sources of pollution

🍶 Kenya’s bottled water tax cut sends the wrong environmental signal 

💰 Open call for waste methane and circular economy grants open in South Africa

🪰 Tanzania tests black soldier fly to tackle urban garbage crisis 

🚫 Greenpeace demands a total ban on single-use plastic carrier bags in S. Africa

Seen on LinkedIn 

Malik Kwablah Ganyo, Plant Manager at Accra Compost and Recycling Plant Limited,  says, “Waste transfer stations are a critical link between primary waste collection and final treatment or disposal facilities. By providing strategically located points where smaller collection vehicles can discharge waste for consolidation into larger-capacity trucks, they reduce long haul trips, improve collection turnaround times, lower transportation costs and allow waste collection vehicles to return quickly to communities.”