The European Investment Bank estimates that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste are entering the oceans every year, most of which starts out as waste discarded on the ground or in waterways. This pollution threatens estuaries, coral reefs, fish and millions of families that rely on the oceans.
But around 2 billion people around the globe do not have good waste collection systems to catch these plastics. Better and more efficient wastewater treatment in many developing countries would stop some of the high amount of microplastics ending up in the oceans every year.
Tetra Tech International Development was selected to carry out the Clean Oceans Project Identification and Preparation (COPIP) Programme, which operated within the framework of the Clean Oceans Initiative – launched by the European Investment Bank, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) group and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in October 2018, later joined by Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and Spain’s Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
With our partner EGIS Eau, we identified and prepared a wide range of innovative projects that had potential to reduce the discharge of plastics to the oceans along the coastlines of Sub-Saharan Africa. From solid waste to wastewater and storm water management, our team of infrastructure experts brought together the knowledge and experience needed to prepare bankable projects that improve the region’s infrastructure and support transition to circular economy.
The programme focused on identifying, assessing and preparing solid waste management projects in sub-Saharan Africa for implementation, resulting in the identification of a pipeline of 20 projects and eight subsequent pre-feasibility studies. Six full feasibility studies have been developed to take projects with potential investments of at least €20 million into the next stage of the infrastructure project lifecycle of detailed design, procurement and construction.
To support the development of the feasibility studies, the programme implemented two pilot projects as proof of concept to test new approaches and to build awareness and commitment among local stakeholders. The projects were selected and implemented in coastal and near-coastal riverine cities where the needs are clear and tangible, and the likelihood for sustainability, success and demonstration value are high.
The programme’s stakeholders were an integral part to the Clean Oceans programme who accompanied and informed every step in this process. To find practical solutions that respond to varying needs and contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa, we worked with regional, national and local authorities and organisations – including NGOs, research institutions and universities – and private sector companies involved in solid waste management.
At a glance
Location
Sub-Saharan Africa
Implementation period
2020–2024
Client
European Investment Bank
More information
Key lessons learned from the COPIP programme
COPIP’s Team Leader, Charles Reeve, reflects on achievements from the programme and discusses the next steps for taking these projects forwards and what he hopes to see next for waste management in Africa.
Waste separation pilot project in Mombasa
COPIP’s Environmental Expert, Joanes Odero, discusses lessons learned from the waste separation pilot project in Likoni and Mvitia (Mombasa) implemented by WWF-Kenya and supervised by COPIP.
Tackling the waste problem in Sub-Saharan Africa
COPIP’s Team Leader, Charles Reeve, talks about the waste problem in Sub-Saharan Africa and how the Clean Oceans Initiative and COPIP are developing solution that help tackle it.
Building resilience in sub-Saharan Africa
COPIP’s Environmental Expert, Joanes Odero, on how innovative waste management projects and a circular economy approach are helping to build resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.