Tanzania: COP31 - Beyond the Promise - Tanzania Carries Zero-Waste Agenda, As Cities Face Mounting Climate Pressures

What the report says

Tanzania is using COP31 to highlight a stronger push on waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure and greener urban growth, according to AllAfrica’s report from Daily News in Dar es Salaam. The country’s Zero Waste campaign is tied to the National Waste Management Strategy for 2025-2030 and is part of broader government efforts to expand waste collection, sorting, recycling and resource recovery.

The article says the initiative comes amid rapid urbanisation, which is increasing pressure on drainage, water, sanitation and solid-waste systems in Tanzania’s cities. It notes that poorly handled waste can block drains, worsen flooding, contaminate water and add to environmental damage. The campaign encourages separating waste into four main streams — glass, paper, metal and plastic — to improve recycling and support a more circular economy. The report also places responsibility on households, businesses, industries and local authorities to help make the system work.

AllAfrica reports that government estimates from January 2025 put Tanzania’s annual solid waste generation at between 14.4 million and 20.7 million tonnes, with only a small share currently recovered through recycling despite much of it being recyclable. The article says this gap points to a need for more infrastructure, private-sector participation and public awareness, while also creating opportunities for investors in recycling and waste processing.

The story links the waste agenda to wider urban resilience efforts, especially in cities such as Dar es Salaam, where flooding and infrastructure shortages remain major concerns. It also references Tanzania’s long-term Dira 2050 vision for sustainable, smart and liveable cities.