Waste Not, Want Not: How Africa’s Cities Are Tackling their Trash Problems

Waste Not, Want Not: How Africa’s Cities Are Tackling their Trash Problems

A Continent of Endless Growth and Change

Africa, a continent of 55 countries, is undergoing a transformation like no other. Rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to an explosion in population growth, from 300 million to 1.3 billion between 1960 and 2020. With this growth comes the challenges of managing waste and providing services to its expanding urban centers.

A Tragic Tale of Waste

Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly struggling to manage its waste, with many cities still using rudimentary waste disposal methods, such as burning, burying, and dumping in rivers and oceans. The consequences are severe, with pollution and filth plaguing urban areas and spreading disease. For instance, a study by the African Center for Technology Studies found that 90% of Nairobi’s waste ends up in landfills or rivers.

Solutions are Emerging

However, many African cities are rising to the challenge, adopting innovative approaches to waste management and leveraging technology to reduce, reuse, and recycle. From mobile apps to garbage-powered energy, these cities are pioneering a new wave of sustainable waste management.

In Nairobi, a program called "Green for the Future" aims to make recycling a cultural norm. The city’s 200,000 metric tons of waste per month is collected and sorted into 25 categories, from plastic and glass to food waste and organic matter. Recyclables are sold to local industries, creating jobs and revenue.

Lagos, Nigeria: Waste-to-Wealth

Lagos, with a staggering 25% of its population living in informal settlements, is transforming waste into a valuable resource. The "Lagos Waste Management Strategy" uses waste-to-energy technologies, such as waste incineration and anaerobic digestion, to produce electricity and heat for households.

Cairo, Egypt: Closed-Loop Systems

Cairo is pioneering a closed-loop waste management system, where recyclables are collected, processed, and reused in construction, textiles, and manufacturing. The city’s waste is sorted into five streams, and a mobile app informs residents about waste collection schedules and encourages recycling.

A Glimpse of Hope

While waste management is a pressing concern for African cities, innovations and investments are underway to transform waste into a resource, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the health and well-being of citizens. By tackling the waste problem head-on, African cities are ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.