The Togolese city of Kpalimé recently played host to the African Territories Forum "Zero Waste", which brought together stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors, as well as representatives from local authorities. The two-day forum, held on October 26-27, aimed to define common actions to reduce waste production, encourage reuse, and develop waste valorization. This initiative is a precursor to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for November 9-20, 2026, in Antalya, Turkey.
Participants at the forum examined ways to strengthen local waste governance, develop a circular economy, mobilize climate financing, and promote cooperation among African local authorities. They also worked on a "Zero Waste" roadmap for the period 2026-2030, aligned with Togo's climate commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals. The roadmap is expected to guide the country's waste management efforts and promote sustainable practices.
The forum concluded with the adoption of the Kpalimé Declaration on African Territories "Zero Waste", which outlines a shared vision for sustainable waste management in Africa. The declaration emphasizes the need for collective action to address the challenges of waste management and promote sustainable development. Additionally, a network of pilot territories was established, and projects that could benefit from green financing and private investments were identified.
The Togolese Minister of Environment, Forest Resources, Coastal Protection, and Climate Change, Professor Dodji Komla Kokoroko, urged participants to consider the "Zero Waste" approach as a concrete way to transform production and consumption habits through recycling and reuse. He highlighted the economic opportunities that can arise from waste management and expressed hope that the Kpalimé forum would lead to strategic proposals tailored to Togo's realities.
The Turkish Ambassador to Togo, Muteber Kiliç, recalled that the "Zero Waste" initiative was launched in 2017 under the impetus of the Turkish First Lady, followed by the creation of the Zero Waste Foundation in 2023. She emphasized that this initiative promotes responsible consumption, awareness-raising, and the sharing of best practices among institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations.
The Mayor of Kloto 1, Apelete Kossi Atigaku, stressed that the success of the "Zero Waste" initiative depends on the commitment of local authorities, administrations, businesses, researchers, civil society organizations, technical and financial partners, and citizens. He expressed the commune of Kloto 1's willingness to actively participate in this African dynamic and contribute to the establishment of the African Chapter of the "Zero Waste" initiative.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to inform a common position for African local authorities at COP31 and support the establishment of an African Chapter of the "Zero Waste" initiative. The Togolese Press Agency reported that the forum's conclusions will also be used to promote sustainable waste management practices and encourage cooperation among African countries.
Key points
- Togo hosts African forum to adopt "Zero Waste" roadmap and promote sustainable waste management practices.
- The forum's outcomes will inform a common position for African local authorities at COP31.
- The "Zero Waste" initiative aims to promote responsible consumption, awareness-raising, and the sharing of best practices among institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations.
