WasteAid and Kanifing Municipal Council sign MoU to strengthen long-standing partnership on sustainable waste management

WasteAid and Kanifing Municipal Council have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important milestone in a partnership that has developed over more than a decade. 

The MoU, signed on 7 May 2026 by Akira Akazawa, Director of Programmes at WasteAid, and Paa Sait Ceesay, Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), establishes a renewed framework for cooperation between WasteAid and KMC, further strengthening joint efforts to improve sustainable waste management, recycling, environmental protection, and circular economy initiatives in The Gambia.

WasteAid has worked closely with KMC for over ten years, supporting practical solutions to urban waste challenges and helping to build local capacity, strengthen community engagement, and promote more inclusive and sustainable approaches to waste management. 

This new MoU builds on that long-standing relationship and provides a stronger basis for future collaboration. It sets out shared priorities including solid waste management, recycling and resource recovery, public awareness and behaviour change, capacity building, support for small-scale waste and recycling enterprises, and improved coordination between local government, communities, the private sector, and development partners. These priorities reflect the areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU framework. 

Speaking at the signing, Akira Akazawa, Director of Programmes at WasteAid, welcomed the opportunity to deepen WasteAid’s partnership with KMC and continue working together to address the growing waste management challenges facing urban communities. 

“WasteAid is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Kanifing Municipal Council. This MoU builds on more than a decade of collaboration and gives us a stronger foundation to work together on practical, locally led solutions that improve waste management, support communities, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.” 

Waste management is not only an environmental issue. It is closely connected to public health, livelihoods, climate resilience, and quality of life. Through this renewed partnership, WasteAid and KMC aim to support practical, locally led solutions that reduce pollution, increase recycling, and create opportunities for communities and small enterprises. 

The MoU also recognises the importance of inclusive approaches, including the participation of women, young people, vulnerable groups, community actors, and informal waste workers in waste management initiatives. 

WasteAid looks forward to continuing its collaboration with KMC and other partners to support a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for communities across the municipality and beyond.