By Omar Diedhiou, 2025 Africa Zero Waste Participant
‘This academy has reinforced my belief that Africa possesses the human, technical, and social resources to become a global leader in zero waste’.
My name is Omar Diedhiou, and I am the activities coordinator at adansonia.green, a Senegalese environmental organization dedicated to serving the Senegalese people.
As an active advocate for combating waste and promoting the circular economy, I had the immense privilege of participating in the Zero Waste Academy Africa, organized by GAIA Africa. This academy took place in two phases: a four-week online training followed by a one-week immersion in Durban, South Africa. The program brought together 50 online participants and 27 in-person attendees from 19 African nations.
This experience was much more than a training program; it was a vibrant laboratory of ideas, exchanges, and concrete actions focused on sustainable waste management. It also provided a unique opportunity to strengthen our knowledge, networks, and commitment to a zero-waste future for the African continent.
A Structured and Enriching Online Training
The first phase of the academy unfolded online over four weeks, featuring five complementary modules designed to offer us a comprehensive and practical understanding of the zero waste concept—from analysis to local implementation.
The modules included:
1. Fundamentals of Zero Waste and Community Mobilization, covering both the philosophical and practical foundations of the zero waste movement.
2. Waste Analysis and Data Collection.
3. Zero Waste Collection, Sorting, and Logistics.
4. Project Implementation, Monitoring, and Sustainability.
Learning Through Action in Durban
The second phase was conducted in person in Durban, a city that is both dynamic and welcoming. Throughout the week, we attended plenary sessions where participants shared their zero-waste experiences and projects. We discussed communication, advocacy, and engaged in conversations about the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the upcoming global plastics treaty.
These discussions were enriched by practical workshops and field visits to locations such as the Durban Botanic Gardens, the Early Morning Market, soil labs, and composting sites. These visits provided concrete examples of local waste management strategies and community involvement in ecological and sustainable solutions.
One of the most memorable visits was to the USE-IT site, a seven-year-old innovation center where waste is transformed into economic opportunities. We observed the production of eco-bricks and the use of black soldier flies (BSF) for composting, along with other products resulting from waste valorization. USE-IT applies the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model in South Africa, integrating informal waste pickers at the heart of the system. This social and economic inclusion particularly inspired me, showing that a fair circular model is possible when local communities are empowered and equipped.
The academy also allowed us to grasp the economic implications of zero waste through cost-benefit analyses of diverting organic waste. We explored how well-designed composting systems, supported by adequate public policies, can generate jobs, reduce waste management costs, and enrich agricultural soils. These models are highly adaptable to contexts in my home country, Senegal, where organic waste constitutes the majority of the waste stream but remains largely unexploited.
During the academy, each participant was tasked with designing a zero-waste action plan tailored to their city or organization, which we presented as part of our final evaluation.
Key Takeaways and Future Plans
What I cherish most from this journey is the power of community: 50 young Africans united around a shared vision. I was deeply moved by the diversity of backgrounds, the richness of peer-to-peer exchanges, and the solidarity that sustained us throughout the program.
Back in my home country, I aim to strengthen my work in environmental education, especially among youth and local communities. I also plan to develop pilot community composting projects and promote brand audits as tools for awareness and advocacy. Additionally, I remain open to collaborating with African zero-waste stakeholders to build a resilient and circular Africa together.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to GAIA Africa for this outstanding initiative, as well as to all the facilitators and participants for their inspiring contributions. This academy has reinforced my belief that Africa possesses the human, technical, and social resources to become a global leader in zero waste.
Let us continue to learn, share, and build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient systems together. Zero waste is not a utopia; it is a necessary and achievable path.
ENDS.
