Project Objectives
Africa faces two interconnected challenges: plastic pollution and energy poverty.
Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in waterways and landfills each year, while many communities still lack access to reliable electricity.
Africa Zero Waste aims to turn this problem into opportunity — building a community-driven recycling and energy model that transforms plastic waste into clean power.
Our pilot project will:
- Engage communities in collecting and sorting plastic waste through a reward-based system.
- Convert waste into energy using innovative microwave-assisted steam gasification technology.
- Generate renewable electricity to power homes, schools, and small businesses.
- Create jobs and awareness in waste management, recycling, and energy sectors.
Our Approach
Waste Collection & Sorting System
Local Engagement & Collection
We collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and schools to establish collection points and sorting stations.
Residents will earn tokens redeemable for goods or cash — turning waste collection into an accessible source of income.
Sorting & Processing
Collected plastics are separated by type and prepared for processing at local recycling hubs.
Community training programs ensure consistent quality and safety standards.
Waste-to-Energy Conversion
Using microwave-assisted steam gasification, plastic waste is transformed into syngas — a clean, tar-free fuel.
This gas powers generators that supply renewable electricity for nearby communities, including off-grid areas.
Community Empowerment
We invest in local capacity-building through training and education.
Residents learn to manage collection systems, operate the technology, and build awareness of sustainability and the circular economy.
The core technology behind this project is microwave-assisted steam gasification, a high-temperature process that converts organic materials (in this case, plastic waste) into syngas without producing tar or pollutants commonly found in traditional gasification methods.
The benefits of this technology include:
Clean and Efficient Process
The high temperatures generated by microwave radiation enable rapid and efficient gasification of plastic waste.
Scalability
The technology can be scaled to meet the energy needs of different community sizes, from small rural villages to larger urban centers.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Unlike traditional incineration, this method produces minimal emissions and no harmful byproducts like dioxins and furans.
Sustainability
Plastic waste, a growing environmental concern, is utilized as a resource to generate renewable energy, creating a circular economy.
Training Programs
Set up training programs to teach local populations how to operate the waste collection, sorting, and gasification systems. This will create new jobs in waste management, recycling, and clean energy sectors.
Environmental Awareness Campaigns
Launch local campaigns to educate people on the benefits of waste management, recycling, and the importance of plastic waste reduction for both environmental and energy security.
Key Technology:
Microwave-Assisted Steam Gasification
The core technology behind this project is microwave-assisted steam gasification, a high-temperature process that converts organic materials (in this case, plastic waste) into syngas without producing tar or pollutants commonly found in traditional gasification methods. The benefits of this technology include:
Clean and Efficient Process
The high temperatures generated by microwave radiation enable rapid and efficient gasification of plastic waste.
Scalability
The technology can be scaled to meet the energy needs of different community sizes, from small rural villages to larger urban centers.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Unlike traditional incineration, this method produces minimal emissions and no harmful byproducts like dioxins and furans.
Sustainability
Plastic waste, a growing environmental concern, is utilized as a resource to generate renewable energy, creating a circular economy.
Expected Impact
Waste Reduction
Diverts tons of plastic from landfills and open burning.
Clean Energy
Provides renewable power for homes, schools, and clinics.
Job Creation
Expands local employment in recycling and energy sectors.
Environmental Awareness
Builds a culture of responsibility and sustainability.
Replicable Model
Establishes a framework that can scale across Africa.
Funding & Sustainability
The project will be funded through a mix of grants, partnerships, and impact investments, with long-term sustainability achieved through:
Electricity Sales
Selling generated power to local grids or directly to consumers.
Waste Processing Services
Partnerships with municipalities and businesses.
Carbon Credits
Revenue from verified emission reductions.
Electricity Sales
Selling generated power to local grids or directly to consumers.
Waste Processing Services
Partnerships with municipalities and businesses.
Carbon Credits
Revenue from verified emission reductions.
Current Stage
We are currently:
Building partnerships with African NGOs and local governments.
Applying for EU and Dutch sustainability grants.
Designing the pilot framework for implementation in 2026.
Support the project
We’re seeking funding partners, technical collaborators, and local NGOs to help us bring this model to life.
