Waste policies shift from reaction to long-term solutions

From the newsletter

African countries are moving from reactive waste management to long-term strategies focused on sustainability. A cross-country analysis of the first quarter of the year shows that African governments are taking bold steps to transform waste management, with a focus on urban infrastructure, plastic bans, health waste and e-waste.

• The long-term approach is marked by sector-specific waste management strategies, moving away from traditional one-size-fits-all policies.

• For example, Nigeria is focusing on plastic waste, South Africa is prioritising e-waste management and Malawi is addressing infectious medical waste disposal.

More details

• The Nigerian government has announced a ban on single-use plastics starting in January 2025, aiming to tackle severe waste management challenges, particularly in cities like Lagos. This policy will extend to government offices and includes a framework for public sensitization and enforcement.

• In January, Malawi took a significant step toward sustainable waste management with the approval of the Infection Control and Waste Management Plan (ICWMP). The plan provides specific guidelines on infection control and healthcare waste management, aligning with international best practices, including WHO and World Bank Environmental Health and Safety guidelines for healthcare facilities.

• Upon implementation, the ICWMP aims to establish an environmentally friendly, sustainable waste management system that complies with both local and international standards, ensuring safe, sustainable healthcare delivery in the country.

• Meanwhile, Tanzania is looking to the future, with its 2025-2030 Waste Management Strategy, which was introduced in February. This strategy focuses on building the necessary infrastructure to manage the 14.4 to 20.7 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually, signaling a long-term approach to waste management.

• South Africa, too, is taking bold steps. In March, the country launched a $9 billion Urban Revitalisation Initiative to enhance infrastructure, including waste management, in major cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. 

• Also in March, South Africa introduced an E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in Limpopo Province, which aims to promote e-waste recycling and best disposal practices. If successful, the project will expand nationwide, addressing the growing e-waste crisis.

Our take

• Africa’s shift from reactive to proactive waste management policies indicates a growing commitment to sustainability. As governments implement sector-specific strategies and invest in infrastructure, this could set the foundation for a circular economy, driving both environmental and economic benefits.

• Targeted approaches, like Malawi’s healthcare waste plan and South Africa’s e-waste initiatives, reflect an understanding of the unique challenges each sector faces, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.

• African countries could benefit from greater regional collaboration by sharing knowledge and best practices on sector-specific waste management strategies. A collective approach could strengthen efforts to tackle common challenges and accelerate progress toward a circular economy.