Want To Make Money In Africa? Start By Solving Any Of These 8 Serious Problems.

#6 – Waste

Africa is losing its natural beauty and environment to different forms of degradation especially solid waste pollution. According to the World Bank, Africa generates about 70 million tonnes of waste (both solid and non-solid) every year. As the income and spending power of the average African continues to rise, more goods will be consumed leading to even more waste. The volume of waste generated on our continent is expected to double in the coming years as Africa’s economy becomes more prosperous and the size and population of its cities explode.

Apart from the dirty and unsightly look that heaps of waste are giving to several cities across Africa, poor waste management is closely related to, and largely responsible for, the outbreak of diseases. Apart from its undesirable effects, the way we handle and treat our waste will play a very significant role in managing Africa’s natural resources in the future. Recycling waste (like kitchen waste, paper, plastic and metals) helps to reduce the pollution in our environment and provides jobs for thousands of people on our continent.

To tackle the menace of plastic waste in Nairobi (the Kenyan capital), Lorna Rutto, a former banker decided to start a small plastic recycling business. Her business uses plastic waste collected from dumpsites and garbage cans across Nairobi to manufacture fencing posts. These posts, which are used to fence houses and forest reserves, are becoming a preferred alternative to timber. So far, her innovative business has created over 7,000 fencing posts, 500 new jobs, generated more than $150,000 in yearly revenues, saved over 250 acres of forests and removed more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste from the environment.

Another interesting business that is solving the problem of waste disposal in Africa is DMT Mobile Toilets in Lagos (Nigeria) – one of Africa’s most populated cities. In its bid to reduce the public disposal of human waste, this business provides affordable access to toilet facilities in public spaces (bus parks, events, etc) across Lagos. To date, this company has manufactured over 3,000 mobile private toilets. It produces about 200 units every month for sale and for hire across Nigeria and in the West Africa region.

We looked at Africa’s waste problem in detail in our interesting article: 'From Waste to Wealth – How to build a profitable business out of Africa’s huge waste market'. You should read it!