Private involvement in national development drives inclusive economic growth, offering training and entrepreneurship opportunities that uplift communities while enhancing environmental outcomes. Such partnerships not only address municipal capacity gaps but also generate employment, according to UNDP. The private sector fosters job creation across the waste management value chain, from waste collectors to engineers.
Across Africa, the conversation around youth unemployment and environmental sustainability is more urgent than ever. As Kenya positions itself to take advantage of its demographic dividend, the country must look beyond traditional job creation models to sectors that align economic growth with environmental protection. One such sector is waste management,
The Jospong Group of Companies, headquartered in Ghana, is a compelling case study in how strategic investments in waste management can tackle unemployment, enhance public health, and drive green industrialisation. With operations spanning over 14 African countries, the Jospong model is a shining example of how Africa can solve its own problems with homegrown solutions.
In Ghana, Jospong has built an integrated waste management ecosystem with the establishment of 38 waste management infrastructure – from municipal solid waste treatment plants, medical waste treatment plants, liquid waste/waste water treatment plants and transfer stations. These facilities employ thousands of youth across the value chain: From waste collection and transportation to recycling and composting. The company has also established training academies to equip young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills in sanitation services, green technologies, and circular economy enterprises.
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Jospong’s strategy is simple but powerful: Create dignified jobs by solving critical environmental problems. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the group collaborates with local governments to develop waste treatment plants, recycling centres, transfer stations and material recovery facilities —each hub provides dignified employment for both skilled and unskilled youths, innovation, and sustainability.
Kenya generates over 22,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with Nairobi alone accounting for more than 2,400 tonnes. Much of this waste goes uncollected or is dumped indiscriminately, posing serious public health and environmental risks.
The green economy offers a win-win solution. By investing in waste collection, recycling, and treatment infrastructure, Kenya can transform its environmental liabilities into economic assets. But this will require visionary leadership, inclusive policies, and bold partnerships.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from the Jospong story is this: Africa’s challenges can be Africa’s opportunities. We must find African solutions for African problems, because we understand our problems better. The continent does not need to import solutions—it needs to deliberately invest in its people and empower its youth to be problem-solvers. With the right mix of political will, private sector dynamism, and international support, Kenya can be the next success story in green job creation.
Dr Agyepong is the founder and Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies
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By Joseph Siaw Agyepong