Technology: Transforming Africa's Waste Management Landscape

Introduction

Africa, with its booming population, is confronted with a critical challenge - the rapid escalation of waste production. This surge not only leads to environmental degradation but also spikes greenhouse gas emissions, posing risks to public health, all exacerbated by outdated waste management practices still prevalent in many African countries.

The Current State of Waste in Africa:

According to the United Nations Environment Programme's 'Africa Waste Management Outlook' report from October 2018, waste generation in Africa is projected to reach 244 million tonnes by 2025, double the amount generated in 2012. Organic waste, primarily food and green waste, constitutes a significant portion (57%), while plastic waste accounts for 13%. Shockingly, waste collection rates hover at a mere 55%, with urban areas outperforming rural counterparts. Ineffectual waste collection services persist in most African cities.

Moreover, over 90% of the waste produced in Africa is typically disposed of in unregulated dumpsites and landfills, often accompanied by open burning. While landfills and recycling systems are slowly gaining traction, Africa now hosts 19 of the world's 50 largest dumpsites, clustered in sub-Saharan Africa.

While Africa currently produces less waste compared to developed regions, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to surpass all other regions worldwide in terms of total waste generation if current trends in generation continue

It is actually projected that uncollected waste in Africa will triple by 2050, driven by both growth and modernization according to the? report on waste management outlook 2018.

Challenges in Waste Collection and Management:

Waste collection in Sub-Saharan Africa involves two steps: initial gathering using handcarts, tricycles, or donkeys, followed by transportation to an aggregation site. From there, small vehicles and trucks transport the waste to its final disposal site. Some areas lack a dual system and dispose of waste in open areas, canals, transfer stations, or directly to final disposal sites. In formal urban waste disposal systems, distances can range from 10 to 40 kilometres from the city centre to the final disposal sites.

Recycling efforts are primarily driven by socio-economic needs, rather than concerted public or private sector initiatives. Many countries on the continent lack institutional setups for operations and maintenance, and the regulatory framework is often undefined. National governments are thus increasingly taking charge of traditional municipal waste management services

From the above challenges above, it is evident most if this issues arise due to the failure of many African countries to use technology. When used, many African countries use outdated technology that does not make a huge impact in waste management. Developed countries have relied on technology to to solve the waste menace, and with many African countries failing to upgrade their waste? technology, the waste menace is poised to persist.

The Role of Technology in Waste Management

In response to existing waste challenges, a wave of innovation is sweeping across the continent. Startups in the waste tech sector are emerging, harnessing the vast potential offered by the waste industry in Africa. These startups are introducing technologies that have the potential to revolutionise waste management.

Smart waste bins, capable of tracking waste production and disposal, have emerged. Mobile apps empower users to report waste issues and locate recycling centres. Online platforms seamlessly connect waste pickers with businesses in need of recycling or waste disposal services. Biogas plants are converting organic waste into methane gas, offering a sustainable energy source for cooking or electricity generation, while simultaneously reducing the volume of waste destined for landfills and incinerators.

Upcycling is also? gaining traction, effectively mitigating waste production and creating new markets for discarded materials. Machine learning is being deployed to optimise waste collection routes and discern patterns in waste generation.

These technologies are driving efficiency and sustainability in waste management. African waste tech companies are adopting approaches that are both cost-effective and community-driven, steering clear of the expensive large-scale technologies typical in developed countries, which may be impractical in the African context.

Some of the waste startup that are pioneering this new wave of innovation include ;RecyclePoints, a Nigerian company headquartered in Lagos, has created a platform that encourages households and businesses to engage in recycling activities. It does so by providing them with points that can later be exchanged for cash, discounts, or various rewards. Following collection, Recycle Points utilises its fleet of trucks to transport the waste to recycling facilities.

Mr Green Africa is a Kenyan recycling startup using technology to collect plastics directly from waste pickers, integrating them into a formal value chain. They offer an end-to-end recycling process, purchasing from marginalized waste pickers. The company recently announced they raised a new series B round to expand their production and scaling.

Reel Gardening on the other hand is? South African startup revolutionizing gardening with pre-fertilized seed strips made from biodegradable paper. These strips provide all essential nutrients for plant growth, making gardening more accessible and efficient, ultimately contributing to reduced food waste by empowering individuals to grow their own fresh produce at home.

Benefits and Challenges of Waste industry? investment in Africa

The waste tech industry in Africa has ushered in numerous benefits, from bolstered public health and sanitation to job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Africa has the potential to tap into the valuable resources found in secondary materials, potentially injecting an additional annual US$8 billion into the African economy.

Venture capitalists, international organizations, and governments have recognized the potential of this sector and are increasingly showing interest. However, perceived risks associated with untested sectors remain a significant impediment to substantial investments, hindering the sector's growth.

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects:

African governments are gradually adopting measures to manage their solid waste and develop better systems. Waste management systems are now improving as governments prioritise the construction of landfills, closing dumpsites, and formalizing waste collection systems to enhance health and environmental impacts.

It is African government proactiveness to adopt modern technological methods that seems to be a huge driver in combating waste problem in many African countries. African government hare increasing prodigy adequate policies that are likely to enable waste startup to thrive. Governments are also adopting foreign? technology used to manage waste in developed countries like Fukuoka Method used in Japan.

Conclusion:

The waste industry in Africa stands at a critical juncture, with technology-driven solutions poised to be the catalyst for positive change. With the escalating impact of climate change worldwide, Africa needs to enhance its waste management practices to mitigate negative effects. With the right support, investment, and collaboration, the waste tech sector holds the potential to revolutionise waste management practices, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Africa.

Written By :Maina Lawrence

Axcel Africa Consulting