Tech-driven waste solutions transform Dar es Salaam despite challenges

Dar es Salaam.  In the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam, technology-driven solutions are emerging to address the city’s growing waste crisis.

From digital platforms to smart bins innovators are striving to revolutionise waste management.

Yet, with limited funding, weak policies, and resistance to change, can these solutions drive real transformation, or will persistent challenges hinder progress?"

A founder of Afia Solutions located in Kinondoni Area, Dar es Salaam, Mr Frank Ahadi, said it provides a waste management platform that records, tracks, and analyses real-time data on waste collection and recycling operations.

“At Afia Solutions, we connect municipal-licensed waste contractors with waste producers, including households, restaurants, and marketplaces,” said Mr Ahadi.

He said the platform records the volume of waste collected and allows waste producers to notify collectors when wastes are ready for pickup.

“We have developed a system called the Waste Campaign, where we send SMS notifications to waste generators, reminding them to prepare their waste for collection, including sorting for easier disposal,” he said.

Furthermore, he said Afia Solutions also links waste collectors with recycling companies, including those processing plastic waste and converting organic waste into animal feed or fertiliser.

The platform collects data related to waste collection, aiding future decision-making.

Another Dar es Salaam innovator, Mr Jospeter John, said he has developed TakaBilaStress platform that connects waste generators with collectors and recyclers.

“If you have waste, you simply upload a photo to the platform, which identifies the type of waste and alerts interested recyclers before they collect it,” explained John.

The platform also gathers data on waste generation and recycling, helping authorities and businesses make informed decisions.

However, not all waste processors follow the traditional collection model. Some groups directly recycle waste, extracting valuable materials rather than sending them to landfills.

Community-based waste management initiatives

Kimara Women’s Cooperative, supported by Nipe Fagio, an environmental sustainability NGO based in Bonyokwa, operates under a zero-waste principle.

They collect sorted waste—plastics, fruit waste, and organic household waste—ensuring efficient processing.

The cooperative’s chairperson, Ms Rehema Tamimu said waste is either recycled, reused, or composted to create valuable resources.

“Organic waste is turned into fertiliser using machines, which the women sell for at least Sh10,000 per kilogram,” she said.

Additionally, Ms Tamimu said fruit waste is fed to black soldier flies, whose larvae serve as animal feed for poultry and fish farmers, fetching Sh5,000 per kilogram.

According to her, while waste sorting is done manually, the cooperative uses technology to enhance efficiency, particularly in producing insect-based feed and organic fertiliser.

The cooperative also benefits from market linkages facilitated by Nipe Fagio and the Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC), ensuring a steady demand for their products.

Beyond waste processing, the initiative generates income through household waste collection services, charging between Sh2,000 and Sh5,000 per month.

Similar initiatives include Buyuni Compost, Jitegemee Maarifa Group in Chanika, and Tufashanwe in Majohe—both in Ilala Municipality.

Challenges facing waste management innovations

Despite progress, tech-driven waste management solutions face significant challenges, chief among them being the lack of recognition for independent waste collectors by municipal councils.

“Public awareness is still low. Even after educating people about sorting waste, many still fail to separate their waste, reducing its value,” said Mr Ahadi.

He also noted that, despite being a small company, they must compete for municipal waste collection tenders that require extensive experience and proof of past work, making it difficult for startups to secure contracts.

Mr John echoed these concerns, saying financial constraints limit their ability to run public awareness campaigns and expand their services.

But, Ms Tamimu was concerned with the social stigma surrounding waste collection, “People look down on us because of the clothes we wear, not realising that waste collection is a respectable job.”

Opportunities in waste management

Mr Ahadi said there was a major opportunity in recycling organic waste, which is often overlooked compared to plastic, paper, and glass recycling.

“There’s a lot of competition in recycling solid waste, but organic waste is the most produced type, and the market is still untapped. That is an opportunity,” he noted.

Recognising this potential, some municipal contractors have shown interest in adopting their technology.

“We secured an agreement with one contractor willing to use our platform. Although they didn’t win the tender, we still work with them, as more contractors are showing interest,” added Mr Ahadi.

Ilala Municipal Council's principal environmental health officer for waste management and sanitation, Mr Geophrey Zenda, highlighted the broader benefits of tech-driven solutions in waste management.

“They improve resource recovery by reducing reliance on new raw materials and conserving natural resources,” he said.

He further emphasised that these innovations generate employment within the sector, drive economic growth, and offer environmental benefits, including reduced pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“Scaling up these solutions further drives innovation and technological advancements, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in waste management,” he added.

The Dar es Salaam Urban Resilience Project (DURP) organised a hackathon in February this year to support such innovations.

By working with selected innovators, the initiative aims to help them establish and expand their solutions.

This approach is seen as a critical investment for improving waste management in the future.

Institutional efforts to support waste collectors

The Human Dignity and Environment Organisation (HUDEFO) director, Ms Sarah Pima, stressed that legal recognition for informal waste collectors is of critical importance."

“Small groups and individuals who collect waste as a livelihood are not officially recognised. That’s why we are advocating for their inclusion in policies,” she said.

However, she acknowledged some progress, as more waste collectors are being formally identified and supported.

She urged municipal authorities to provide loans, machines, electricity, and training to improve waste management efforts.

To address these challenges, HUDEFO has established the Dar es Salaam Waste Pickers Network (Mtawada) to organise and support informal waste collectors.

“This network helps waste pickers gain recognition and makes it easier for them to receive assistance from local authorities,” said Ms Pima.

Mr Zenda stressed the need to scale up waste management technology solutions through supportive policies, public-private partnerships, and community education.

He cited how the municipality previously penalised informal waste collectors but has now integrated them into the system.

“In the past, unregistered waste collectors were fined and arrested. Now, we have engaged with them and recognised their role, especially in areas like Vingunguti, where formal contractors were reluctant to operate due to financial constraints and difficult topography,” said Mr Zenda.

He said the council has trained collectors in health, leadership, and business management, equipping them to form registered groups and secure municipal waste collection tenders in areas such as Butiama and Miembeni.

Additionally, he said some groups have adopted biodegradation technology for organic waste and advanced sorting for recyclable materials.

The Dar es Salaam City Council now officially recognises all previously unregistered waste collector groups.