Advancing waste projects in Africa

Waste management is a critical service for African cities, underpinning public health, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience. According to the World Bank (2018), waste management is one of the most resource-intensive municipal services, often accounting for between 20%– 50% of local government budgets in low- and middle-income countries. However, these allocations often fall short of covering the capital and operational costs required, leaving waste systems fragile and under-resourced. Rapid urbanisation has further intensified pressure as growing populations and expanding cities generate larger volumes of waste, often characterised by harmful materials and unsustainable consumption patterns, which drive up the cost and complexity of service delivery.