UNCTAD participated in the SWITCH Africa Green Regional Sector meeting on Integrated Waste Management which took place 11–12 June 2019, in Accra, Ghana. The meeting is a first of its kind; it facilitated dialogue between SCP experts, policy and decision makers, financial institutions and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in scaling up and replicating green business opportunities in the integrated waste sector. Specifically, the meeting brought together MSMEs and government officials from countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria and China among others; Regional Economic communities such as ECOWAS and SADC, European Union, Financial Institutions, UN agencies; as well as experts and stakeholders in the waste sector.
This unprecedented platform gave an opportunity for discussions on the economic viability of enterprises in the integrated waste management sector that has led to increased livelihoods, income generation and creation of jobs while preserving the environment.
At the meeting, UNCTAD introduced the SMEP programme to various interested participants from the private sector and governments. Discussions revealed great interest among many countries to support SMEP through their future engagement in SMEP activities. In the meantime, several participants offered to provide UNCTAD with information and perspectives on manufacturing pollution in their countries, and to give their feedback and recommendations on SMEP research results once they become available. UNCTAD will consult with these interested parties in the future as programme outputs and activities roll-out.
Trade and Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch
DFID-UNCTAD Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) programme