Introduction

By Felicia Ochelle

As we launch into the new year, the second edition of Ventures Africa BizHive explores waste management and recycling from a unique angle that could shape Africa’s future for the better. 

A total of about 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean every year, not to mention the overall depleting state of waste management in most developing countries. But even as we approach this using the ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ process, the goal is to get maximum value and use from raw materials, products and waste in order to save energy.  

“We are one of the top polluters of the ocean in the world and it’s really sad because there is an unexplored opportunity here, going to waste. But we can solve a lot of issues by tapping into this sector. We can be the first to get plastic recycling right in Africa, we can set the pace,” says Bilkiss Adebiyi Abiola, Founder, Wecyclers.

In this issue we look at the economic and welfare cost of plastic pollution, waste management policies and the role of the government, countries with a ban or restriction on single-use-plastics, and the potential of e-waste in driving economic growth across Africa.

A world where plastics and other harmful waste no longer pose a threat is a future worth fighting for. But the real question is are we ready for this change? Join us as we make a case for the future of waste.