Uganda

Solutions in Traditional Knowledge: How gravity water filters could help reduce single-use plastics in Sub-Saharan Africa – Technical Cooperation Outcome

Technical Cooperation Outcome Solutions in traditional knowledge How gravity water filters could help reduce single-use plastics in sub-Saharan Africa Universal access to safe and affordable drinking water continues to demand the attention of the United Nations and its member states under SDG 6. However, the construction of new water delivery infrastructure is failing to keep

From waste to value: Upcycling agricultural residues for sustainable textiles

Frame waste to value Upcycling agricultural residues for sustainable textiles The global textile industry is massive, valued at $594.1 billion in production in 2022 alone (Euromonitor, 2023). It represents one of the most important “ladder” industries for developing countries seeking to promote industrialisation and create jobs. Yet, the industry is unsustainable, creating massive unmanaged waste

Beyond the technical loop: Driving the circular bioeconomy through global policy coherence

Beyond the technical loop Driving the circular bioeconomy through global policy coherence As of April 2025, 76 countries have adopted national strategies or roadmaps for the circular economy (Chatham House, 2025). These strategies reflect growing recognition of the need to address cascading environmental risks while unlocking new avenues for competitiveness, environmental protection, pollution reduction, and

Addressing potentials for Organic Waste in the Circular Economy

Our technical delivery partner, UNCTAD, will be hosting a side-event to the World Circular Economy Forum 2025! Opportunities for embedding the bio-economy into national circular economy plans 🗓 Date: 12 May 2025🕒 Time: 2:00 PM GMT -3⌛Duration: 3 hours📍 Venue: In person at Sala da Congregação, FEA-USP, São Paulo, Brazil, or join online. Registration Here Registration is mandatory

SMEP-Backed Innovation Takes the Spotlight at Walmart Summit: TEXFAD Uganda Pitches Sustainable Banana Fibre Yarn

The SMEP Programme is proud to share a milestone in our mission to support innovation in manufacturing value chains and circularity. One of our grantee projects, Uganda-based BANATEX – EA took to centre stage at the 2025 Massmart Growth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd April 2025. The event brought together over 300 businesses

A study of textile waste at Owino Market, Kampala

A study of textile waste at Owino Market, Kampala Towards a circular textile economy in Uganda WasteAid UK, the project lead for the Uganda Circular Textiles project, have commissioned this research report which investigates the flow of textile waste at Owino Market in Kampala, Uganda. Their project aims to address critical issues within the second-hand

Sustainable textiles through upscaling and commercialisation of banana fibre value addition in East Africa

Uganda ranks among the top ten global producers and consumers of bananas and the highest in Africa, averaging 10 million tonnes annually. However, banana cultivation results in tonnes of post-harvest and processing waste. This Showcase Story highlights the BANATEX EA project which is valorising banana waste through natural fibre production, and assisting rural, marginalised communities

Solutions in Traditional Knowledge: Gravity water filters

This study examines the challenge of improving water access to meet SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while also reducing dependence on plastic-based water delivery systems, such as those using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets by considering the traditional technology of ceramic gravity filters.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme