Turning Waste to Wealth: Africa Waste is Wealth Report 2025 Calls for Urgent Action to Unlock the Continent’s Circular Economy Potential
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Following the momentum of the landmark Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024, a new report—Africa Waste is Wealth Report 2025—has been launched to showcase the continent’s growing waste crisis and the enormous untapped potential of a circular economy.
The report underscores a stark reality: Africa produces over 140 million tonnes of waste annually yet recovers less than 11%. With proper investment, innovation, and policy reform, this waste could contribute over USD 8 billion a year, create over 400,000 jobs, and reduce carbon emissions significantly.
The 2025 report builds on the dialogue, commitments, and partnerships formed at the 2024 Conference, where stakeholders from across the continent came together to reimagine waste management as a driver of inclusive, green growth.
Key Insights from the Report
- Only 11% of Africa’s waste is currently recovered.
- 80% of waste generated is recyclable or organic.
- Informal waste workers continue to drive recovery systems but face significant risks.
- The lack of coordinated waste policy and rising plastic imports threaten health and environmental outcomes.
Bold Opportunities, Clear Solutions
The Africa Waste is Wealth Report 2025 calls for:
- Adoption and harmonisation of circular economy legislation in the form of the East African Community Prohibition of Manufacturing, Importation, Use and Sale of Single-Use Plastics Bill, 2023.
- Stronger Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems.
- Investment in waste-to-value innovations and infrastructure.
- Inclusion and formalisation of informal waste workers.
- Regional cooperation through platforms like the EAC Waste Management Coalition.
The report also features real-world examples of circularity—from plastic credits in Kenya and biodegradable packaging in Ghana, to policy innovation in Rwanda and coalition-building across East Africa.
About the Report
Produced in response to the Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024, the Africa Waste is Wealth Report 2025 is a comprehensive analysis of Africa’s waste challenge and its potential as a growth frontier. Developed in collaboration with public and private sector leaders, civil society, and legal experts, the report sets a new standard for cross-sector action on waste and circularity.
Access the full 2025 Africa Waste is Wealth report.
