Green Africa Youth Organisation demands climate finance for waste pickers

At the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, climate advocates led by the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) called for a radical shift in waste management strategies. They urged global financiers and governments to move away from expensive waste-to-energy incineration projects and instead direct climate finance toward community-led zero-waste solutions and the informal waste-picking sector. The advocates emphasized that reducing waste at its source and scaling up composting are essential to mitigating methane emissions, which account for approximately 20% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

During a press conference, GAIA released a report warning that incineration projects in Africa frequently impose heavy financial burdens on public budgets while failing to address the continent’s specific organic waste profile. GAYO’s Zero Waste Director, Jacob Johnson Attakpah, highlighted a significant imbalance in climate funding, noting that current financial flows often bypass the very communities and workers managing waste effectively on the ground. He advocated for a moratorium on new incineration plants, arguing that these technologies are often ill-suited for African nations compared to grassroots initiatives like the Zero Waste Accra model.

Ghanaian industry leaders also contributed to the dialogue, framing waste management as a critical pillar of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Dr. Noah Gyimah, Chief Investment Officer for the Jospong Group, emphasized the potential of integrated recycling and composting plants to transform the sector. He noted that sustained investment in infrastructure, such as waste transfer stations, is necessary to bridge the gap between waste collection and processing. According to Dr. Gyimah, improving these systems not only reduces methane emissions but also enhances public health and creates local employment opportunities.

The discussions at COP31, which continues until November 20, 2026, underscored the importance of integrating a circular economy into national climate strategies. By formalizing the role of waste pickers and prioritizing organic waste prevention, advocates believe African nations can meet their climate targets more efficiently. The call to action remains clear: climate finance must reach the local level to support the workers and community-driven projects that are already pioneering sustainable waste solutions.