Accra Metropolitan Assembly lands US$3M AfDB funding to boost climate-smart waste drive

GHANA – The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has secured a US$3 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate the implementation of the Accra Waste Separation and Composting Project, a flagship initiative designed to overhaul the capital’s waste management system and cut emissions.

The grant, mobilized with technical support from the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), will act as co-financing to fast-track project delivery and deepen Accra’s transition toward a climate-smart, sustainable waste model.

The project was selected as one of only 18 successful proposals from more than 1,000 submissions across Africa, underscoring its strong climate credentials and readiness for implementation.

According to AMA officials, the proposal stood out for its high greenhouse gas mitigation potential, alignment with Ghana’s national climate commitments, and its capacity to deliver long-term circular economy outcomes.

Once fully operational, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce waste sent to landfills, expand recycling streams, and scale up composting of organic waste, key contributors to methane emissions in urban areas.

The project is also expected to improve waste processing efficiency and environmental health across the metropolis, while supporting job creation along the waste value chain.

By formalizing separation at source and strengthening composting infrastructure, Accra aims to reposition itself as a regional leader in sustainable urban waste practices.

Commenting on the development, Metropolitan Chief Executive Michael Kpakpo Allotey described the funding as a major milestone in the city’s environmental agenda.

“This grant represents a significant boost to our efforts to deliver a climate-resilient waste management system. The AMA remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving environmental health and championing sustainable waste solutions across Accra,” he said.

Mr Allotey also expressed appreciation to the AfDB and acknowledged the critical role of the C40 Cities Finance Facility, funded by the governments of Germany and the United Kingdom, for providing technical guidance throughout the project preparation and application process under the Climate Action Window.

The funding comes amid growing momentum across Africa to modernize municipal waste systems as cities grapple with rapid urbanization.

In recent months, several African capitals have announced investments in waste-to-resource initiatives, including expanded recycling programs, composting facilities and landfill gas capture projects.

Ghana itself has been stepping up efforts to promote source separation and private sector participation in waste management, while aligning urban development with its climate action plans.

For Accra, the AfDB-backed project marks a concrete step toward translating climate commitments into on-the-ground infrastructure, setting a benchmark for other cities seeking scalable, finance-ready solutions to the continent’s mounting waste challenge.

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