The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in Sierra Leone is collaborating with Promoting Economic Transition to Circular Options, an Ethiopian organisation, to strengthen waste management in the country. This engagement aims to explore opportunities for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and the development of sustainable waste management systems. Minister Amb. Tamba Lamina emphasised the need for innovative approaches to treat waste as a resource rather than just a public sanitation issue.
Sierra Leone faces significant challenges in managing waste, particularly at the local council level, due to limited funding and resources. Minister Lamina identified population growth, limited resources, and financial difficulties as major obstacles to effective waste management. He stressed the importance of adopting approaches that treat waste as a resource and called for greater private-sector involvement and stronger partnerships to support local councils.
The Ministry is drawing lessons from Ethiopia's experience in promoting a circular economy, where waste materials are reused or converted into valuable resources. PETCO Executive Director Mihret Teclemariam welcomed the engagement, describing it as an opportunity for South-South cooperation. The organisation aims to understand Sierra Leone's waste management challenges and work with local partners to address existing gaps.
The partnership between the Ministry and PETCO was facilitated by Welt Hunger Hilfe Country Director Bananeza Emmanuel Octave, who explained that the collaboration began in October 2025. The partnership seeks to identify shared interests and introduce relevant Ethiopian experience to Sierra Leone. Octave added that the collaboration would support ongoing engagements, including discussions around the National Waste Conference.
Minister Lamina noted that measures such as the introduction of waste management bylaws by Freetown City Council had been taken, but further investment and coordination were needed. He emphasised that cooperation with PETCO could help develop practical solutions while ensuring that waste management programmes remain sustainable beyond the involvement of development partners.
The engagement comes as Sierra Leone continues to face challenges in managing waste, particularly at the local council level. Cooperation with PETCO could provide opportunities to strengthen recycling, encourage private investment, and improve environmental management. The partnership is expected to support community involvement and improve waste management systems in the country.
The collaboration between Sierra Leone and PETCO is a significant step towards addressing the country's waste management challenges. With the right approach and support, Sierra Leone can develop effective waste management systems and adopt circular economy practices. Key initiatives are expected to be implemented in the coming months, with a focus on community involvement and private sector participation.
Key points
- The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs partners with PETCO to improve waste management and adopt circular economy practices in Sierra Leone.
- The partnership aims to address challenges in managing waste, particularly at the local council level, due to limited funding and resources.
- The collaboration seeks to develop practical solutions and ensure sustainable waste management programmes beyond the involvement of development partners.
