Africa’s rapid population growth, estimated to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, will result in the production of approximately 516 million tonnes of waste per year. With the current waste collection rate at 55%, and less than 10% of that being processed, such a tremendous increase will undoubtedly lead to a crisis. The quality of life will also deteriorate, given the environmental and health challenges that accompany such an enormous amount of unmanaged waste.

The African Union Agenda 2063 Goal 7, speaks of environmental sustainability and climate-resilient economies, indicating that waste management plays a critical role in Africa’s sustainable future. Between 70–80% of Africa’s municipal solid waste is recyclable, yet less than 4% is currently being recycled.

The low recycling rate is largely due to little to no state support across African countries, leaving the venture to heavily rely on the private sector’s green entrepreneurs. The quantity of recyclables within the waste composition indicates that clean recycling systems are central to unlocking economic benefits while resolving the social and environmental risks arising from mismanaged waste.

Why Africa Needs Green Innovation and Clean Recycling.

1. Utilizing green innovation to address resource depletion.

Africa’s abundant natural resources provide an opportunity for the continent to utilize green innovation to sustainably use resources. This will help address the risk of resource depletion. 

2. Boosting Agriculture and Food Security with Innovation

Of all the continents in the world, Africa has the largest arable land, which means that it can produce high quantity of food exports in the global market. Utilizing green innovation in the agricultural space can significantly increase the production of export-quality food and also resolve the continent’s food crisis.

3. Unlocking Trade Potential Through Green Innovation

Africa's future in trade with the international community depends on green innovation. With regulations already being enforced in developed countries like the EU, mandating exports to the EU to be compliant with sustainability requirements, this market shift will consequently require an uptake of green innovation to help entrepreneurs comply.

4.  Ending Energy Poverty and Powering Global Competitiveness

Green innovation can help the continent tap into its reserve of renewable energy, which will in turn reduce energy poverty. Africa's renewable energy has the potential to power the world. Africa could engage in energy trade. Energy enables development, and going green will increase Africa's competitiveness in the global market; especially under new regulations such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), renewable energy will be a game-changer in actualizing sustainable production and climate goals.

5. Recycling innovations to support clean cooking energy

Clean cooking has remained a challenge in Africa, with over 600 million people facing energy poverty, often resorting to deforestation for fuel. This practice contributes to environmental degradation and air pollution. However, there is an opportunity to adopt clean energy through recycling. In Cameroon, for example, young engineers are harnessing biogas technology to recycle waste and provide clean cooking solutions. This innovation signals a sustainable energy future for the continent.

Green Innovation and Recycling Opportunities in Africa

1. Leveraging Africa’s Mineral Wealth for the Green Economy

Africa holds valuable minerals that are fundamental for the world’s clean energy transition. Minerals like lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earth metals that are required for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and the decarbonization of industrial processes are available in good quantity on the continent.

In McKinsey Battery Insights 2022 analysis, they reported that the global growth of the lithium-ion battery chain could reach a value of more than $400 billion, a growth rate of 30% from 2022 to 2030. Africa could take advantage of this and, through green innovation, tap into this market, which will highly impact its economy positively.

2. Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Innovation

The battle against climate change is real for Africa. Though Africa's contribution to GHG emissions is the least, it is among the most affected continents by climate change. To curb this vulnerability to climate change, green innovation will help in climate mitigation and adaptation, helping Africa to be more resilient. This is important because Africa's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture.

Climate-smart technologies such as smart irrigation systems that minimize water usage are already in use on the continent. Countries like South Africa have gone a notch higher to integrate data-driven solutions to inform predictability and adjustments of harvesting and planting schedules to resonate with changes in weather patterns.

3. Promoting Water Efficiency Through Wastewater Recycling

Wastewater recycling can also help address water scarcity. State of the Climate in Africa Report projects that 250 million Africans will face water scarcity and 80% of African countries will lack sustainable water management by 2030. An increase in water efficiency and utilization is therefore, required to timely address the situation. This will also help to improve sanitation and reduce health issues related to lack of access to clean water.

Africa’s Green Entrepreneurs Driving Innovation and Clean Recycling

The rise of green entrepreneurs in Africa is proving that green innovation is not a hypothesis but a reality that is already being undertaken. A growing number of entrepreneurs are exploring the opportunities available in resolving community challenges in profitable ways, making their businesses sustainable and not relying on donations to actualize needed solutions.

Green businesses like Gjenge Makers, EcoPost, Mukuru Clean Stoves, and Innovative Tourist Boat, to mention but a few, are utilizing green innovation and recycling to provide solutions. Their efforts need to be complemented by government support in policies, financing, and incentives that will help these startups gain exposure in the global market and scale up. With such support, Africa may not need to overly rely on external support to resolve its environmental and societal issues arising from poor waste management.

How African Governments Can Drive Green Innovation and Clean Recycling.

African governments need to now prioritize the development of waste management infrastructure that will make it possible for the large-scale implementation of clean recycling systems. Rwanda provides a good example to learn from in how government intervention through policies and partnerships can transform waste management and processing. The Rwandan government has been proactive in enforcing policies that promote green innovation and sustainable waste management practices, earning it the title of being the cleanest country in Africa.

In conclusion, there are a lot of green innovations and clean recycling processes already happening in Africa, which have proven their potential in transforming the continent's economic, social, and environmental narrative, and shown light in reshaping the future. With its population growth, coupled with environmental challenges and poverty, Africa does not have a choice but to embrace green innovation and leverage clean recycling systems to grow sustainably.