1. Africa could generate up to 58 million MWh from waste by 2060

African waste volume is expected to triple from 174 million tonnes per year in 2016 to 516 million tonnes by 2050. The drivers are urbanisation and population growth. Experts predict that countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa could face economic losses exceeding$2 billion each by 2060 if landfill practices are not improved. Landfills generate methane, which is 80 times more harmful per tonne for the climate than carbon, leading to significant health and environmental damage – though Africa does have a chance to turn this around. Read more

2. Kenyan waste powers green energy

Human waste in Kenya's Kibera slum is being transformed into biogas, addressing sanitation issues and providing green energy. Initiatives are newly supported by the Health Ministry, Umande Trust and the French Development Agency. Nine local centres use bio-digester systems to treat waste and produce biogas, providing clean toilets and fuel for cooking.The community benefits economically from the sale of biogas and collects small fees for using bio centre toilets. Read more

3. Today’s Number

… is the amount that the Moroccan government is investing to transform the country into a benchmark for cleanliness by transitioning to a circular economy for solid waste. The investment will fund projects in six cities that also serve as host cities for the 2030 World Cup.

4. Cairo gets sophisticated waste scheme

Zero Carbon Ventures and Egypt's Green Planet have launched a joint venture to convert organic waste into graphene, hydrogen, fertiliser and other products in Egypt’s capital. The high-tech system will transform 400 tonnes of organic waste per day, preventing methane and CO2 emissions. The first phase will be operational by 2025, with completion by 2027. The plant in Cairo will employ up to 250 people. The project supports Egypt's ambitions for a cleaner, greener future with advanced technology and local expertise. It beenfits from cutting-edge research and transformative technologies, focusing on modern industrial inputs. 

5. Tunisia gets top water treatment plant

A new wastewater treatment plant will be built in Sousse, Tunisia, to boost sanitation and address increasing demand due to population growth. The project will be carried out by Indian company Va Tech Wabag and local partner Gloulou Mohamed et Salem (EGMS). The plant is expected to be completed in 24 months at a cost of $37 million. It is financed by the French Development Agency, the European Investment Bank, and the European Union, and will have a capacity of 36,000 cubic meters per day. Va Tech Wabag will operate and maintain the plant for 12 months after commissioning.

6. Namibia unveils first waste buyback centre

The Namibian capital Windhoek has inaugurated its first waste buyback centre. The goal is to promote a new  approach to waste management with environmental and economic benefits. The centre is part of the "Improving Solid Waste Management in Windhoek" project, funded by the EU. Aiming to reduce waste volumes and environmental impact, the project also fosters job creation through waste re-engineering startups. The facility aligns with Namibia’s 2018 national waste management strategy, aiming for zero waste to landfills by 2028. Read more

7. Eritrea at bottom of global plastic waste list

Eritrea mismanages approximately 91,000 tonnes out of 93,000 tonnes of plastic waste it produces annually. The new Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) in the 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) Report highlights Eritrea as one of 42 African nations with up to 97% plastic waste mismanagement. The countries’ capacity to manage plastic waste this year is projected to run out between January 9 and March 20. The global Plastic Overshoot Day for 2024 is predicted to be on September 5, indicating when plastic waste generation will exceed management capacity. Read more

8. Media Monitoring

Every day, we scrutinise African and global media for news regarding the circular economy and waste management  in Africa. Below are snippets.

• Looming disaster: The Nile is drowning in plastic waste threatening people’s health and the river’s future. Experts warn that heat waves could worsen the crisis by reducing water flows.

• Agile recycling: USAID and the Coca-Cola Foundation are funding a $4 million plastic waste management initiative in Nigeria to recover approximately 49,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. The initiative aims to increase the collection capacity of 24 aggregators and 9,500 collectors, while also creating more than 10,000 jobs in the waste value chain.

• Collective mitigation: Egypt's environment ministry has secured $9 million from the Global Environment Facility to expand a project aimed at reducing e-waste and healthcare waste management in Greater Cairo. The project supports Egypt's compliance with the Minamata Treaty on mercury pollution by providing technical assistance and developing comprehensive waste management strategies.

• Wheels value chain: South Africa announced an Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IWTMP) to address challenges in the waste tyre market. The plan aims to ensure full waste tyre collection, development of processing capacity and implementation of monitoring systems, with the Waste Management Bureau overseeing its execution.

9. Picture of the Day 

Unwanted value: Informal recyclers sort waste at Kenya’s Dandora dumpsite