Africa’s Path to Zero Waste: Reflections on The Zero Waste Academy 2025
By Desmond Alugnoa and Ama Asiedu
For nearly a decade, the GAIA Africa team has been providing technical expertise to support the successful implementation of zero-waste models across Africa.
Between June and July 2025, we hosted our first-ever Africa Zero Waste Academy. Our goal for the academy is to empower individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills to implement zero-waste solutions throughout the continent. It also aims to serve as a growing platform for the practical deployment of sustainable waste management in cities.
This initiative builds upon the pioneering work done by our colleagues in other regions, as well as the Africa-specific academies held in Tanzania and Morocco.
What a journey it has been! This was not just training; it marked the emergence of waste management changemakers.
A Dream Rooted in Community
When we launched the Africa Zero Waste Academy, the goal was clear: to build the next generation of African Zero Waste champions. We knew the solutions to our continent’s waste crisis already existed in our compost heaps, in the knowledge of our waste picker movements, and our traditional reuse practices. All we needed was to connect the dots through effective collaboration. For six weeks, over 40 participants from 18 African countries met online to explore the foundations of Zero Waste. Using an online platform called Moodle, they completed structured modules, submitted real-time community assignments, and participated in weekly live discussions guided by facilitators. The learning was not just theoretical; participants audited their household and neighbourhood waste streams, mapped informal waste systems, explored composting and plastic reduction strategies, developed advocacy campaigns, and drafted project plans tailored to their local context. By the end of the online seminars, one could feel it: this group was ready for more.
Then came the in-person magic. From 7 to 11 July 2025, selected participants travelled to Durban, South Africa, for hands-on training, field visits, and development of waste storytelling skills. Together, participants visited real zero-waste communities, learned from frontline waste workers, shared project ideas, received feedback, and celebrated their graduation with dancing, joy, and unity. For some, it was their first international experience. For all of us, it was a life-changing opportunity that provided a learning platform.
Real People, Real Impact
The impact of the Academy lies in the stories participants told after the training. These are the seeds of systems change—local, tangible, unstoppable. Below are a few of them.
“The Africa Zero Waste Academy didn’t just teach me strategies. It gave me a community. I now have a network of passionate individuals across Africa I can rely on for guidance, collaboration, and support in implementing real Zero Waste solutions. That kind of solidarity is priceless.”– Sabrina from Namibia.
“I’ve already started composting in my backyard. My neighbours are curious, and we’re planning a training for the whole community.” – Fathia from Ghana.
What Comes Next?
The Africa Zero Waste Academy 2025 may be over, but the journey continues: alumni will implement and scale their projects. We are grateful for collaborating with groundWork to host this event in South Africa and expand our horizons to work with other pioneering zero-waste implementers for future versions of the academy. GAIA Africa will continue to provide mentorship and support, and we’ll gather again, bigger, bolder, better! To the participants, facilitators, funders, and partners, thank you for sharing your belief in this vision. You showed that Africa is not waiting to be rescued from waste; we are rising to lead. Keep following our work.
Our zero waste future is African, and it’s already here!
ENDS.
