WASTE NL’s Post

In this article, I have reflected upon the potential of targeted training for MSMEs within the sanitation and waste management service chain. Written in the context of our FINISH Mondial programme, I explore how these efforts aim to contribute to systems change and strengthen the sector.

Empowering Women Waste Pickers in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Tejik Investment (Pvt) Ltd., one of Mercy Corps Zimbabwe ‘s partners under the Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program in the waste management sector, is transforming the waste management landscape and empowering women entrepreneurs. Tejik Investment is pioneering an inclusive approach to waste management by creating new opportunities for women. Through the CEDIS program, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, Rejoice (33), a waste picker under Tejik investment who operates in Mutare, received training with the support of Mutare City Council and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). Rejoice has gained skills in waste separation techniques, enabling her to identify and separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones. This knowledge has helped her improve the quality of the waste she collects, ensuring it is properly sorted and prepared for further processing. She now earns an average range of $100-200 per month, a significant increase from her previous earnings range of $50-100. Rejoice uses this income to meet her household needs and cover school expenses for her children, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of the program. The CEDIS program's facilitative approach has been instrumental in empowering women. By addressing market constraints and creating opportunities for women-led enterprises, the program is paving the way for sustainable economic development and women's empowerment. #womenempowerment #mercycorpszimbabwe #pathwaytopossibility

Client Spotlight: Belu Water! We’re excited to be delivering cleaning services to our new client, Belu a fellow social enterprise! A big thank you to our client, Zurich, for making this connection possible. At Tarem Services, sustainability is not just a principle - it’s our mission in action. For this contract, we’ve offset 1 tonne of CO₂ through the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) project with Carbon Footprint Limited, supporting reforestation in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. This initiative reinforces our commitment to global and social responsibility. Why this client relationship matters: Belu Water shares our dedication to a sustainable, socially responsible future. By providing services to a like-minded business, we’re not only supporting Belu’s mission but also reinforcing our own. Together, we’re contributing to a business landscape where service providers and clients work together to drive positive social impact. About Belu Water: Belu is a drinks business with a clear purpose: to change the way the world sees water. They invest 100% of profit in people and planet to deliver nature based solutions to deliver UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 12, 13 and 17. Since 2011 they have given WaterAid, £5.8 million to tackle water poverty, transforming 391,944 lives and counting. They pioneer new ways for the hospitality and workplace sectors to reduce their impact on the planet. We champion a different way to do business, where profit can be used to solve collective global problems. #TaremServices #BeluWater #SocialEnterprise #Sustainability #SocialImpact #Partnership

Absolutely! Towards a substantiable, renewables, efficient and affordable energies...

I feel Zambia still remains a reactive market when it comes to adopting sustainable energy solutions and waste recycling programs. While progress is being made, the widespread mindset still tends to favor short-term solutions over long-term sustainability. For real change to happen, we need a major shift in thinking—starting with education, awareness, and incentivizing sustainable choices. Adopting renewable energy solutions like solar power and implementing proper waste management systems have the potential to improve lives, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The challenge is changing the perception that sustainability is an option, when in fact, it's a NECESSITY. To drive this mindset shift, we need more public and private sector collaboration, community outreach, and policy changes that make sustainability accessible and affordable for everyone. The journey won’t be short and easy, but the benefits are undeniable & for generations to come. #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #MindsetShift #WasteRecycling #Zambia

It has been estimated that 10 to 15% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through landfill mitigation and diversion, energy from waste, recycling and other types of improved solid waste. - UN Environment Programme. In a circular economy, sustainability becomes a competitive advantage. Attending the Circular Exchange 2024, organized by the Circular Business Platform, Circular Lagos, and the CEIP | Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, we see there is a pressing need for circular education and circular communication to foster an understanding of inherent opportunities and the creation of wealth in the circular economy space in Nigeria. Well done matilda Taiwo of the "Miketilda Waste Recycling Hub Ikorodu" for creating a waste recycling facility and training program for youth and women in your community. 👏 Let's keep supporting local solutions. #circulareconomy #wastemanagement #plasticpollution #recyclingindustry #climateaction #AfricanClimateStories

Sparking Change: Recap of the Bio-Digester Co-Creation Mission. In the heart of Nairobi, at Park Inn by Radisson, visionaries gathered for a transformative event focused on sustainable energy and innovation. Rafiki Microfinance Bank was privileged to be part of this co-creation mission, uniting bio-digester experts, generous donors, and impact-driven investors in a dynamic dialogue. Together, we explored the potential of bio-digesters to revolutionize energy production and drive lasting environmental impact. Bio-digesters emerged as the centerpiece of discussions, offering a dual solution to waste management and energy generation. By converting organic waste into biogas and fertilizer through natural processes, these systems hold the key to a renewable energy future. Participants were energized by the diverse applications of bio-digesters across sectors, from agriculture to hospitality, urban centers to rural communities. However, realizing this potential requires more than just technology—it demands collaboration and strategic partnerships. Donors and investors stepped up, pledging support and expertise to scale up bio-digester initiatives. Their commitment underscores the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. What truly made the event remarkable was the spirit of co-creation that permeated every interaction. Regardless of background, each participant brought a unique perspective, enriching the dialogue and sparking new ideas. From engineers to policymakers, everyone contributed to shaping a more sustainable future. As the event concluded, participants left with renewed determination to continue the journey towards a greener tomorrow. Inspired by the connections forged and the possibilities discussed, they are poised to drive real-world impact in the realm of sustainable energy. In the words of Rafiki echoed by Paul Kagiri and I, “Together, we can make every day Earth Day. Let’s keep the momentum going and spark the change our planet needs.” #SustainableEnergy #BioDigesters #CoCreation #RenewableFuture #ImpactInvesting #GreenTech #NairobiEvents #ParkInnbyRadisson #EnvironmentalStewardship #partnershipsforchange .

Taking care of the environment is not an obligation 🌍 – Our Environment is Our Life. The call of our time is clear: we must be responsible and sustainable in our interactions with the environment. At Speciality Group Nigeria, we are deeply committed to protecting our planet and promoting sustainable practices in everything we do. Our dedication to environmental responsibility drives us to seek out innovative ways to reduce our ecological footprint continually. Here’s how we’re making a difference: * Sustainable Sourcing: We use responsibly sourced materials for our paper products. 📄 * Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving technologies across our operations💡 * Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste and promoting recycling within our processes.♻️ Join us in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and ensure a healthier planet for generations to come. #EnvironmentalResponsibility #Sustainability #SpecialityGroupNigeria #GoGreen #EcoFriendly #SustainableFuture

I am exited to announce the first call under the EU financed project “ GREENTech4CE”!! It reflects the objectives of the #EUZambia partnership: #greeneconomy #circulareconomy #innovation #privatesectordevelopment

🌍 Transforming Waste into Opportunity: Freetown Waste Management Recycle 🚗 In a country where oil dominates the economy, Nigerian entrepreneur Ifedolapo Runsewe has discovered another type of "black gold"—used car tyres. At Freetown Waste Management Recycle, her industrial plant in Ibadan, old tyres are transformed into high-demand products like paving bricks and floor tiles. "Creating something new from what would otherwise be waste was a key motivation," says Runsewe. Freetown has built an entire value chain, sourcing tyres from scavengers and mechanics, reducing environmental harm, and creating jobs. Since its launch in 2020 with just four employees, Freetown has recycled over 100,000 tyres and grown its workforce to 128. Supporting such initiatives is vital for a sustainable future. As Houssam Azem, founder of the Lagos Jet Ski Riders Club, puts it, "Taking tyres, an environmental nuisance, and turning them into what children can play on is a win-win for everybody." ♻️ Innovation in action, driving environmental and economic progress for Nigeria! #Sustainability #WasteManagement #CircularEconomy #Nigeria #Entrepreneurship #Recycling