Francophone Africa unites in Lomé to tackle 200M tonne waste crisis as urban populations surge

TOGO – Six Francophone nations have gathered in Lomé to confront Africa’s mounting waste crisis, where urban areas currently generate over 200 million tonnes of solid waste annually, a figure projected to reach 700 million tonnes by 2050 without urgent intervention.

The training program, held March 22 with support from the Agence française de développement and the University of Lomé, brought together experts from Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon, Haiti, and Togo to structure a sector essential to public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

By the Numbers: A Continent Under Pressure

According to the World Bank, Africa currently generates more than 200 million tonnes of solid waste per year in urban areas, with volumes expected to triple to 700 million tonnes by 2050.

Direct waste management costs consume significant shares of municipal budgets, estimated at several billion dollars annually, without accounting for health and environmental costs.

In Lomé, Greater Lomé’s population has surpassed 1.8 million inhabitants and is growing at approximately 4 percent annually.

The Programme Environnemental Urbain de Lomé estimates that more than 300,000 tonnes of solid waste are generated each year in the Togolese capital alone.

Economic Opportunity Hidden in Waste

The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development notes that effective waste management programs can generate thousands of green jobs and build more resilient circular economies.

Recycling creates local employment across collection, sorting, and processing of recyclable materials.

A Decade of AFD Support

AFD has supported Lomé for more than a decade through project phases that restructured collection channels, rehabilitated old dumps, and improved infrastructure. Support has included formalizing recycling activities and mobilizing sustainable financing.

The University of Lomé strengthens the link between research, innovation, and field action.

A Roadmap for Regional Cooperation

The Lomé meeting represents a critical step toward structuring a regional framework for urban waste governance.

Discussions emphasized integrated models including source separation, organic waste valorization through composting, and support for informal sector initiatives.

As African cities continue their unprecedented growth, sustainable waste management has emerged as essential for improving quality of life, protecting the environment, and supporting inclusive economic development.

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