Strengthening African waste management initiatives

Jokudu Guya is an Urban Systems Professional Officer with a strong interest in urban development across African cities. At ICLEI Africa, she works closely with local governments to implement circular economy initiatives and identify opportunities to embed circular approaches into urban systems. Her areas of focus include the Circular Economy, water-energy-food nexus, and waste management, alongside broader themes in sustainable urban development. Jokudu holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies and has a background in city development research, with experience in smart cities, urban data, and governance.

Amina holds a BSc Honours degree in Environmental Architecture and Urbanism from the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University in Cairo, with a dual degree from the University of East London. She has recently graduated with an MEng degree in Resource Efficient Cities. Her research focused on Biophilic Urbanism, exploring innovative ways to integrate nature-based solutions into existing neighborhoods. With over four years of experience in the field of sustainable urban planning and green building practices, she is a certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate from the US Green Building Council, and has also worked as a visual communication designer. Amina is passionate about sustainable urban development, biodiversity and nature-based solutions.

Josh is a waste management, recycling, and circular economy specialist with expertise in integrated solid waste management planning, infrastructure design, municipal services, and private sector development. With a Master’s in Environmental Management from the University of London and 15 years of experience across Africa, South America, MENA, and Southeast Asia, he has led complex technical programs in energy, waste, and recycling. He has strong competencies in environmental engineering, GIS, and urban planning. He joins ICLEI as Senior Specialist, supporting sustainable waste and energy strategies for local governments, advancing circular economy solutions, and climate-resilient urban development.

Meggan believes that African cities are places of innovation and potential, where globally relevant solutions are found. She leads the Climate Change, Energy and Resilience workstream at ICLEI Africa, where a diverse team works with African city stakeholders to build resilience, enable low emission development, and improve access to finance and energy. Meggan holds a PhD in Environmental Science and before joining ICLEI Africa worked as a municipal official.

She has completed a National Diploma in Mathematical Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Though her work experience has been gained over various business sectors, Labeeqah has developed a strong passion for NGO’s. It is because of her passion, that she opted to perform her mandatory in-service training at an NGO for whom she volunteered for a short period of time before being permanently appointed.