Africa Waste Management Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The market size of waste management in Africa is experiencing growth driven by government initiatives and the increasing need for recycling. Despite the continent's current lower waste generation compared to developed regions, rapid urbanization and population growth are contributing to a rise in waste production. Inadequate waste management poses economic, social, and environmental challenges, with a significant portion of municipal solid waste being biodegradable and poorly managed. While South Africa demonstrates a higher recycling rate, the overall recycling efforts in Africa remain limited, with informal actors playing a crucial role in resource recovery.

Market Size of Africa Waste Management Industry

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Africa Waste Management Market Summary
Study Period 2020 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 21.72 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 27.70 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.98 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

Africa Waste Management Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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Africa Waste Management Market Analysis

The Africa Waste Management Market size is estimated at USD 21.72 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 27.70 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.98% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The market is driven by government initiatives and projects. Furthermore, the market is driven by the companies emerging in the sector to increase recycling needs.

  • Africa's urban population is growing at a faster rate than any other continent (3.5% per year). Although waste generation in Africa is currently lower than in the developed world, SubSaharan Africa is expected to overtake the developed world as the dominant region in terms of total waste generation if current generation trends continue. Population growth, rapid urbanisation, a growing middle class, changing consumption habits and production patterns, and global waste trade and trafficking all contribute to waste generation in Africa, as it does in other developing regions around the world. Inadequate waste management in Africa is causing economic, social, and environmental problems. However, there are some encouraging signs.
  • Most of the Municipal Solid Waste collection services in many African countries are inadequate. With an average of 57% of MSW in Africa being biodegradable organic waste, the bulk of the waste is dumped. About 90% of the waste generated in Africa is disposed of to land, typically in uncontrolled and controlled dumpsites. Only about 4% of the waste generated in Africa is recycled, often by informal actors (as with reuse). Africa has lately become a dumping site for waste, particularly hazardous waste, often from developed countries. More than 130 people have died in landfill collapses in Africa in the past year, 2/3 of whom were women. To address these concerns, many social and technological innovations have emerged in the waste sector in Africa.
  • In comparison to the continent's minuscule recycling rate, South Africa stands out as a shining beacon. South Africa consumed approximately 3.4 million tonnes of packaging (glass, paper, metal, and plastic) in 2021, with approximately 54% collected for recycling, compared to the continental average of 4%. Apart from South Africa's success, the situation remains bleak: most African countries' collection services are woefully inadequate. The average MSW collection rate is low (mostly organic waste), and the majority of it is dumped, even though the fact that it could provide significant socioeconomic opportunities. Recycling is emerging as a viable business across Africa, driven more by poverty, unemployment, and socioeconomic need than by public or private sector design. An army of unpaid waste collectors makes a living by recovering valuable resources at little to no cost to municipalities or private companies.

Africa Waste Management Industry Segmentation

Waste management (or waste disposal) covers all of the procedures and actions necessary to control trash from the point of origin to the point of disposal. This covers garbage collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, as well as the oversight and control of the waste management procedure. A complete background analysis of the Africa Waste Management Market, including the assessment of the economy and contribution of sectors in the economy, market overview, market size estimation for key segments, and emerging trends in the market segments, market dynamics, and geographical trends, and COVID-19 impact is included in the report. 

The Africa Waste Management Market is segmented By Waste Type (Industrial Waste, Municipal Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, E-Waste, Plastic waste, Bio-medical waste), and By Disposal Methods (Landfill, Incineration, Dismantling, and Recycling). The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

By Waste type
Industrial waste
Municipal solid waste
Hazardous Waste
E-waste
Plastic waste
Bio-medical waste
By Disposal methods
Landfill
Incineration
Dismantling
Recycling
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Africa Waste Management Market Size Summary

The waste management market in Africa is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing urbanization, population growth, and evolving consumption patterns. Despite currently lower waste generation rates compared to developed regions, Sub-Saharan Africa is on track to become a leading region in waste generation. This shift is fueled by rapid urbanization and a burgeoning middle class, which are contributing to the rising volume of waste. The market is characterized by inadequate municipal solid waste collection services, with a substantial portion of waste being biodegradable organic material. Recycling efforts are minimal, with most waste being disposed of in landfills or open dumps, often leading to environmental and health challenges. However, there are positive developments, such as the emergence of social and technological innovations aimed at improving waste management practices across the continent.

The Africa waste management market is highly fragmented and competitive, with numerous regional and international players striving to offer cost-effective and sustainable waste management solutions. Companies like Averda, Enviroserv, and Interwaste are at the forefront, focusing on innovative and environmentally friendly waste disposal methods. The introduction of initiatives like the Africa Circular Economy Facility by the African Development Bank Group highlights a shift towards a circular economy model, emphasizing recycling and resource recovery. Investments in waste management infrastructure are crucial, with numerous projects aimed at phasing out open dumps and enhancing recycling capabilities. The market's growth is further supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as SUEZ's acquisition of EnviroServ, which aim to strengthen their presence and capabilities in the African waste management sector.

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Africa Waste Management Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Dynamics

      1. 1.2.1 Drivers

      2. 1.2.2 Restraints

      3. 1.2.3 Opportunities

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

    4. 1.4 Value Chain/ Supply Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Insights on the Logisitcs support and development in the waste management industry in Africa

    6. 1.6 Insights on the strategies of the rising startups venturing into the African waste management industry

    7. 1.7 Technological advancement and innovation in the effective waste management

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Waste type

      1. 2.1.1 Industrial waste

      2. 2.1.2 Municipal solid waste

      3. 2.1.3 Hazardous Waste

      4. 2.1.4 E-waste

      5. 2.1.5 Plastic waste

      6. 2.1.6 Bio-medical waste

    2. 2.2 By Disposal methods

      1. 2.2.1 Landfill

      2. 2.2.2 Incineration

      3. 2.2.3 Dismantling

      4. 2.2.4 Recycling

Africa Waste Management Market Size FAQs

The Africa Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 21.72 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.98% to reach USD 27.70 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Africa Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 21.72 billion.

Waste Management Market in Africa Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)