Building a Circular Economy in The Gambia: How WasteAid and CIWM Are Driving Change

WasteAid, in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), is transforming the challenge of waste into genuine economic opportunities in The Gambia. Through the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network (CEN), our work is helping entrepreneurs, local government, and communities embrace circular economy principles that reduce pollution, improve public health, and create sustainable jobs.

Like many low-income countries, The Gambia faces severe waste management challenges, due to a lack of infrastructure waste is either disposed of in dumpsites or burned in the open, contributing to the spread of disease, poor local air quality and climate change emissions.

With a presence in The Gambia since 2017, WasteAid has developed strong partnerships with municipalities, national-level stakeholders and community-based organisations to drive better waste management and support circular economy approaches.

Laying the Foundations for Change

In January 2022, with generous support from CIWM, WasteAid launched an ambitious programme to develop a circular economy network in the Greater Banjul Area of Gambia where around 58% of the country’s 2.7 million population live. The Circular Economy Network (CEN), named locally as Dennakuwo meaning ‘Together we Can’, quickly became a hub for Gambian waste innovators, local government representatives, and green entrepreneurs.

Over the last 3 years, the Dennakuwo network has risen to 305 members, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm for, and engagement with the network. The recent Annual Members’ Survey reveals an overwhelming endorsement: every respondent indicated they would recommend the network, 88% expressed satisfaction with their membership, and 81% described being a member as transformational for their business. Members have shared stories of new ideas, enhanced networking opportunities, and the development of better business skills—evidence that the network is not just a forum for discussion, but a catalyst for real change.

Our commitment to developing the business skills of CEN members can be seen in the technical training sessions we have delivered so far, covering plastic recycling, upcycling, organic waste management, and customer service. Looking forward, we will be delivering further training sessions covering advanced composting and bio-briquette production, as well as sessions on business finance. These sessions build local expertise and support the scale-up of green businesses.

One of the respondents in our latest Annual Members’ Survey shared:

“Participating in the Zero Waste training has been incredibly valuable to me. Through this experience, I have gained deeper knowledge about zero-waste principles and sustainable waste management. This training has equipped me with the necessary skills and understanding to raise awareness in my community, promoting responsible waste disposal and environmental sustainability.”

We have also completed our second Waste-to-Use Challenge, celebrating the pioneering efforts of green businesses in The Gambia. Through the challenge, local entrepreneurs and authorities were invited to pitch innovative waste solutions—with funding of £15,000 available for winning projects. In parallel, we are empowering women gardeners by offering targeted training in composting, briquette-making, and organic waste management. These initiatives not only foster economic resilience but also demonstrate how circular economy practices can lead to sustainable, long-term improvements in community livelihoods.

Our commitment to community engagement is further reflected in the events we have organised, including 2 Zero Waste Markets that showcased how waste can be repurposed into eco-bricks, upcycled textiles, and sustainable packaging, along with beach cleaning and a local youth conference.

Strengthening Local Authority Engagement

Recognising that sustainable change requires policy alignment, we established a Local Authority Working Group. Bringing together councils from Kanifing, Brikama, and Banjul, the group is co-chaired by Trevor Nicholl, former CIWM President and Director of Operations for St. Helens Council, and Lamin Sanyang, Project Manager for the Kanifing Environment Transformation Programme. These relationships are critical to embedding circular economy practices into everyday waste management practices.

The network’s evolution is being further enriched by a dedicated volunteer Secretariat whose governance and leadership skills have been developed through bespoke training. The secretariat are tasked with aligning the networks initiatives with the needs of the community, ensuring that training and funding continue to reach those who need it most. The Secretariat, with the support of WasteAid will in time transition to running the network itself ensuring its future sustainability.

The Power of International Collaboration

This has been a unique approach delivered and developed by WasteAid and generously funded and supported by CIWM. By establishing a direct link between UK and Gambia in the private and public sectors, we have created a dynamic exchange of expertise and innovation. CIWM members have not only contributed through online training sessions and webinars but have also provided on-the-ground technical support. Their insights and mentorship have helped shape initiatives such as the targeted advisory group for plastics recycling and the Local Authorities Working Group, ensuring that waste management policies evolve in tandem with practical, community-driven solutions.

“All of us at CIWM are incredibly proud of our partnership with WasteAid, and the work of the ever-growing Gambian Circular Economy Network. It is a fantastic example of how establishing a direct link between UK and Gambia can lead to a dynamic exchange of expertise and innovation, creating a truly circular economy that can help protect the world’s environment and resources for future generations.” Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM.

The momentum generated by the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network is set to expand further. We invite donors, CIWM members, and all interested stakeholders to join us—whether through continued investment, technical support, or collaborative partnerships, together we can shape a future where waste is no longer seen as a problem, but as a valuable resource for economic growth and community well-being.