The future of Africa’s industrialisation may not lie in silicon chips or machine learning but in sustainable natural materials and regional cooperation. Across East and West Africa, governments are moving beyond extractive models and towards policies that fuse environmental resilience with industrial renewal. In Ghana, a national policy blueprint is steering the country’s economy towards
Photo Credit: Maria Durleva. SMEP Programme Global textile systems are shifting in response to questions about the sustainability, sourcing, and environmental footprint of the fabrics we use. The textiles industry, valued at $1.6 trillion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.3 trillion in 2030, contributes to 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes about
While the specific figures on the contribution of organic waste to the Republic of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) are not available, the economic potential of this waste is locally and regionally recognised and is growing. Large volumes of organic waste stem from agriculture, food and beverage industries, households, and commercial sources. In Nairobi, organics
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Spotlight on Mananasi Fibre SMEP funded projects operate in sectors characterised by socioeconomic inequalities, informal and unregulated value chains, and male dominance, yet they are also well-positioned to initiate new inclusive approaches. To mitigate discriminatory practices that perpetuate inequalities, SMEP projects are committed to identifying vulnerabilities, addressing gender-biased social norms,
Plastic substitution in developing countries Sectoral opportunities and challenges Plastic pollution poses significant threats to environmental health, human well-being, and economic stability. Emerging research has detected microplastics in human blood and brain tissues, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects. Despite numerous international initiatives aimed at governing plastic use, critical issues persist, primarily due to
Plastics reduction and management Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa The issue of plastic pollution in East and West Africa is transboundary in nature, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration at national, regional, and international levels. To effectively tackle this crisis, comprehensive policies and coordinated bans such
Beyond Compliance Trade as a channel for the adoption of industrial wastewater treatment in the Global South Water emerges as a pivotal element within the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. As a fundamental resource for all life forms, water plays a multifaceted role in our ecosystems, as a
SMEP Projects: Spotlight on Kenya The Republic of Kenya is a key SMEP target country within sub-Saharan Africa. With an economy driven largely by agriculture, industry and services sectors, and an increasing waste management problem, solutions that facilitate the mitigation of pollution from these sectors are critical. This factsheet explores the SMEP Programme’s eight pilot