Source: Zimbabwe to host international conference on waste management – herald
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe will shine the spotlight on accelerating sustainable waste management and unlocking economic opportunities through the circular economy when it hosts the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Africa Regional Conference in Harare at the end of this month.
The two-day event is being positioned as a strategic platform to help the country tackle mounting waste challenges while adopting modern, globally aligned solutions.
The conference will run under the theme “Enhancing Sustainable Waste Management Practices and Circular Economy,” with a focus on how waste can be transformed into value, reduce environmental degradation and create jobs.
Speaking at the press conference, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) coordinator Mrs Sylvia Sanyanga said the event has already attracted wide international interest, which presents Zimbabwe with an opportunity to tap into global expertise and investment.
“We’re excited to share that through their network, we’ve been able to get a lot of people and a lot of engagement from various players in the environment space all over the world,” she said.
She said that delegates from countries such as the United States, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana and Eswatini are expected to attend, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and partnerships that can strengthen Zimbabwe’s waste management systems.
“However, what I may point out is that while this conference through the network has really gained a lot of momentum and excitement, we have yet to receive the same momentum and excitement from Zimbabweans,” said Mrs Sanyanga.
Operations and Compliance Manager at Geo Pomona Waste Management, Ms Anesu Zingambe, said the conference will help African countries, including Zimbabwe, to develop coordinated responses to shared waste challenges.
“Waste management is not a one-man band. We need to come together,” she said.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said the conference will play a critical role in driving policy implementation and strengthening partnerships needed to improve waste management outcomes.
“This is a conference that is actually bringing about a turnaround point, it’s not about Government alone, but the private sector can actually attain the sustainable waste management that we so much envy as a country,” she said.
She added that the gathering will enable Zimbabwe to benchmark against other countries, adopt best practices and strengthen public-private partnerships, which are key to building an efficient and sustainable waste management system.
“It will allow stakeholders to reflect on progress, share knowledge and strengthen partnerships, particularly through public-private collaboration, while helping to chart a transformative path towards sustainable waste management in Zimbabwe,” she said.
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