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GAIA warns African govts against $4bn waste-to-energy incinerator investments – EnviroNews
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The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has warned African governments against investing in waste-to-energy incinerators, citing potential environmental, economic and systemic challenges.
The warning is contained in a report by GAIA, made available to journalists on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Lagos.
The report was signed by Mr. Ibrahim Usman, Communications Associate for GAIA Africa.
The report identified 15 waste-to-energy incinerator projects and proposals across 10 African countries, including one operational plant in Ethiopia.
It said the projects comprised operational facilities, proposals, feasibility studies and signed agreements, raising concerns about the growing adoption of incineration to address Africa’s waste management challenges.
According to the report, the projects involved estimated cumulative capital expenditure of more than $4 billion.
It said the funds could have been channelled into locally appropriate zero-waste solutions.
The report quoted Weyinmi Okotie, GAIA’s Africa Clean Air Manager, as urging African governments to prioritise long-term, trusted zero-waste systems over technologies that could create lasting environmental and economic problems.
Okotie warned against relying on “silver bullet” technologies to address the continent’s waste management challenges.
The report noted that municipal waste across Africa was predominantly organic, with high moisture content and low calorific value, making it more suitable for composting than incineration.
It cited the United Nations Environment Programme as warning that incineration was a more expensive option for waste management and energy generation in low- and middle-income countries.
The report expressed concern that continued government support for waste-to-energy incineration could divert resources from waste management approaches better suited to local conditions.
It recommended investments in material recovery facilities, waste separation at source and stronger extended producer responsibility programmes.
The report said these measures could promote more sustainable waste management systems while helping African countries address their waste challenges.
By Fabian Ekeruche
