Tech-driven solutions for Africa’s waste problem

Imagine strolling down a busy African street where piles of discarded trash spill over curbs and gutters—a stark reality for many cities today. Picture this: Mountains of plastic bottles glistening under the African sun, forming artificial hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. In Dandora, Nairobi’s largest dumpsite, children wade through toxic waste searching for recyclables while toxic fumes billow into nearby residential areas. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian movie—it’s the daily reality for millions of Africans living near the continent’s overflowing dumpsites.

With Africa’s population booming and urban centres expanding at breakneck speed, the waste problem is no longer a distant issue but an everyday crisis. Yet even in this grim setting, innovative technologies are sparking hope. From IoT-enabled bins that “talk” to collection trucks to data-driven insights that promise smarter, more sustainable systems, technology is stepping in as a true game-changer.

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Africa’s waste reality today

In 2012, the continent generated around 125 million tonnes of municipal solid waste; projections indicate this could rise to nearly 516 million tonnes per year by 2050. This dramatic increase isn’t just a matter of numbers—more people means more waste, and the current infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. The situation is already dire.

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, studies show that only 40 percent of waste generated in urban areas is collected. According to the NPAP November 2024 report, in 2020, Nigeria generated 12,400 kilotons of plastic, and an alarming 76 percent went uncollected. In Cairo, despite generating 15,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, only 60 percent is collected through formal systems. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that across the continent, a mere 10 percent of waste is recycled – the lowest rate worldwide.

Ghana’s capital, Accra, produces about 3,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, yet municipal authorities only manage to collect 55 percent, leaving the rest to accumulate in streets, drains, and waterways.

Right now, inefficient collection systems, open dumping, and uncontrolled burning mean that a large chunk of Africa’s waste isn’t managed at all. For example, in many urban areas, over 40 percent of waste is left to litter streets and clog drainage systems, contributing to floods and environmental degradation. Projections paint an even bleaker picture: by 2050, the volume of waste is expected to triple, placing enormous strain on public services and the environment.

 “This unsustainable trajectory not only threatens the cleanliness of our cities but also has far-reaching implications for climate change and public health.”

This unsustainable trajectory not only threatens the cleanliness of our cities but also has far-reaching implications for climate change and public health.

Impact of poor waste management on health, environment, and economies

The fallout from unmanaged waste is severe. Poorly controlled waste not only breeds disease but also damages the environment and strains national economies. In Africa, studies have indicated that pollution from waste is linked to up to 600,000 deaths annually.

Open dumping and burning release dangerous pollutants like methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO₂, into the air, contributing significantly to climate change.

Moreover, the economic costs of inefficient waste management, from lost tourism revenue to healthcare expenses, burden governments that are already stretched thin.

Technology as a catalyst for improved waste management in Africa

Here’s where technology steps in as a beacon of hope. Across the continent, new tech solutions are being piloted and scaled to transform waste management practices.

Read also: FCTA moves to outsource waste management in satellite towns

IoT-enabled waste bins and sensors

Smart bins equipped with IoT sensors are revolutionising how waste is managed on the ground. These sensors continuously monitor fill levels in real-time, transmitting data to centralised platforms so that collection routes can be dynamically optimised. For instance, when a bin nears capacity, an automatic alert is sent to waste management teams, ensuring that trucks are dispatched only when necessary. This system not only reduces fuel consumption and operational costs but also cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions by minimising unnecessary truck deployments.

In Nairobi, local authorities partnered with IBM to deploy an IoT‐based waste management application. IBM’s solution involves installing smart sensors on waste bins that continuously monitor fill levels. Data from these sensors are transmitted in real time to a central dashboard, allowing authorities to optimise collection routes, reduce fuel consumption, and address overflowing bins promptly.

Continues on www.businessday.ng

Jimmy Arikawe is a circular economy expert with years of experience in Nigeria’s recycling sector, specialising in technology-driven solutions for sustainable resource management. He is the CTO of Circula, a clean-tech company dedicated to fostering a circular economy across Africa.