“The twin processes of urbanisation and industrialisation are positively correlated with waste generation and energy consumption. Sadly, the global reliance on fossil fuels has contributed not only to new challenges of global warming, but also to price volatility and relentless depletion of finite reserves. With its very low oil reserves and heavy dependence on coal, Africa has not been spared, making the need for innovations in renewable energy more urgent than ever. Admittedly, the African continent is endowed with several renewable energy sources. This policy brief discusses experiences of converting waste to energy in Africa. The work demonstrates that currently there are very few waste-to-energy (WTE) projects on the continent. Nevertheless, there exist great opportunities to improve waste management, financial investments, technological take-up and skills sets to support the continent’s green energy revolution.”
