Driving Sustainable Innovation: Highlights from the African Solutions Forum 2024

The African Solutions Forum (ASF) 2024 brought together some of the continent's most innovative minds to tackle pressing challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hosted virtually on November 25, the forum showcased groundbreaking ideas, fostered collaboration, and provided a platform for solutions tailored to Africa's unique contexts.

A Platform for Impactful Solutions

This year’s forum focused on key areas, such as waste management, renewable energy, climate adaptation, health, and education, featuring 11 compelling presentations from experts, academics, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

One of the most remarkable aspects of ASF 2024 was the diversity of solutions showcased. Projects ranged from community-based recycling programs to cutting-edge renewable energy initiatives, groundbreaking healthcare innovations, and ambitious education programs. These initiatives reflect the commitment to harness local knowledge, technology, and partnerships to foster long-term positive change across Africa. Moreover, ASF 2024 reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development. Presenters and attendees were connected to a network of potential partners, including investors, NGOs, and policymakers. The forum also set the stage for new partnerships aimed at scaling solutions across the continent.

Key Moments and Takeaways

The forum was marked by dynamic discussions, with insights from leading experts in sustainable development representing the continent's top academic and research institutions. The topics explored and solutions presented included:

• Eco Bio Fertilizer: Converting Waste BioMass into Fertilizer

The Eco Bio Fertilizer project in Nairobi, Kenya addresses critical challenges including poor solid waste management, youth unemployment, soil degradation, and food insecurity by converting biomass waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer using patented biodegradable enzyme technology. Leveraging solar-powered high-heat decomposition chambers with innovative CO2 and nitrogen-fixing systems, the process decomposes 10 tons of biomass in just 15-20 days, producing 300 bags of fertilizer per cycle. This initiative has reduced 1,500 tons of biomass waste, improved crop yields by 40-70%, and restored 30% of arable land annually. The project also creates green jobs, increases farmer incomes, enhances food security, and educates communities on sustainable waste management, benefiting schools and grassroots associations while promoting policy advocacy. Contact: Dr. Aghan Oscar ([email protected], +254 727 546 439)

• Promoting Innovative Fecal and Sanitary Waste Climate and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Global Growth

This project addresses challenges related to inadequate waste management, full latrines, and poor sanitation, which significantly impact public health and environmental sustainability. The initiative focuses on recycling kitchen and bathroom water, producing NPK fertilizer from urine and manufacturing bricks from sanitary and fecal waste using solar-powered anaerobic processes. By integrating waste handling with income generation, the project links to multiple SDGs, including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), good health (SDG 3), and economic growth (SDG 8). The initiative also promotes socio-economic empowerment through job creation, environmental health advocacy, and support for vulnerable populations, while leveraging policies and partnerships for scalability. Its innovative model fosters sustainable urban development and reduces pollution, contributing to climate change mitigation and global growth. Contact: Dr Dennis Magu ([email protected]; +254722574388)

• Projet Pilote Plage Propre (P4)

The Projet Pilote Plage Propre (P4) aims to address the growing issue of waste and environmental degradation along the Saint-Louis coast in Senegal, contributing to SDGs 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17. Faced with increasing waste, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of public awareness, P4 seeks to create an ecological mindset, encourage behavioral change, and raise awareness about environmental protection. The project focuses on cleaning 40 km of beaches, engaging 2,000 participants in civic activities, and incentivizing sustainable coastal management with awards. By reducing waste and promoting environmental health, P4 benefits local populations, biodiversity, and the tourism industry while mitigating risks like pollution, health hazards, and habitat loss. Contact: Dr. ABIBATU BANDA FALL ([email protected], +221 77 453 6100)

• Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in West Cameroon

For over a decade, ICENECDEV has spearheaded sustainable plastic waste management efforts along the Gulf of Guinea and west coastline of Cameroon, engaging stakeholders, governments, businesses, and local communities. The initiative addresses the pressing issue of inadequate waste management infrastructure affecting over five million residents in coastal villages like Isobe, Idenau, Bakingli, and Batoke. Each year, approximately one million tons of plastic waste, including cigarette butts, bags, and food containers, pollute the Atlantic Ocean, harming over 600 marine species. Global statistics highlight the gravity of the crisis, with 500 billion plastic bags used annually, 13 million tons of plastic leaking into oceans, and 100,000 marine animals killed by plastics yearly. ICENECDEV’s efforts have led to measurable impacts: over 50 coastal cleanups have involved 1,000+ volunteers, resulting in the collection of 100,000kg of waste. Additionally, the organization has conducted 20 workshops, equipping 500 stakeholders and 1,000 community members with waste reduction skills. They have also transformed waste into 1,000 eco-decorative products, fostering income generation and sustainable livelihoods. This initiative underscores the potential for collaborative action to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability along Cameroon’s coastline. Contact: ([email protected]/[email protected], +237674033583)

• Économie Circulaire et Développement Durable pour la Valorisation des Déchets du Mono (ECODEV Mono)

ECODEV Mono is an initiative aimed at addressing the growing waste management challenges in six communes of the Mono Department, Benin. With 25,000 tons of household solid waste (DSM) generated annually per commune, only about 10% is recycled, leading to poorly managed dumpsites, health issues, and environmental degradation. The project promotes a circular economy by emphasizing education on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), introducing semi-mechanized waste sorting technologies, and valorizing organic materials and sand, which constitute 70% of DSM. Key objectives include reducing waste transported to landfills, establishing efficient sorting systems, and fostering sustainable practices. The initiative has already seen success, such as a 65% reduction in waste sent to landfills in Ouidah, Benin by recovering organic matter and sand. Future efforts will focus on implementing cost-effective technologies, producing high-value compost and eco-bricks, and promoting economic opportunities through recycling. The project highlights the potential for sustainable waste management to create jobs, reduce costs, and foster green economies. Contact: Maixent Ogou ([email protected])

• Wetland Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of degraded wetlands addresses critical environmental challenges, including flooding, erosion, invasive species, and infrastructure threats. Aimed at restoring wetlands to pristine conditions, the initiative supports SDGs related to education, infrastructure, sustainable communities, climate action, and biodiversity. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, engaging environmental, civil engineering, and academic expertise. With its innovative approach, the project sets a precedent in South Africa's higher education sector, fostering research, teaching, collaboration, and future scalable solutions in wetland conservation. Contact: Rendani Nematandani ([email protected])

• SDG Advocate Programme

Launched in 2022, the SDGs Advocate Programme (SDGs-AP) in Nigeria, aims to engage young people in promoting the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by training 25,000 youths across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones by 2025. This initiative is designed to build a community of young leaders who will champion the SDGs, particularly focusing on education (SDG 4), economic growth and innovation (SDG 9), and poverty eradication (SDG 1). The program employs a bottom-up advocacy approach to raise awareness and localize the SDGs, ensuring that youth actively participate in their implementation. Key achievements include over 7,000 youths trained, more than 1,000 schools reached, and engagement with over 500,000 students. The program's scalability plan involves leveraging digital platforms, strengthening its alumni network, and seeking funding opportunities to expand its impact across West Africa. Contact: Ojuoluwa Oluwatobiloba ([email protected])

• Restoring Degraded Lands through Self-Correction

This Ghana-based project focuses on combating the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining, which leads to the loss of forests, polluted rivers, and degraded arable lands. The initiative engages traditional land custodians, such as chiefs and family heads, to advocate for stricter mining regulations and encourage community-led land reclamation efforts. The project aims to restore land fertility, improve biodiversity, and create sustainable economic opportunities, thus addressing multiple SDGs, including SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 6 (Clean Water). It envisions scaling up the model across Africa by leveraging traditional authority networks, advocating for policy changes, and securing funding from international partners. The project also emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly practices, strategic partnerships, and robust monitoring systems to ensure long-term sustainability. Contact: Eric Akosah ([email protected])

• SanDi project

The SanDi project in Mali utilizes telemedicine with smart glasses and the OpenClinic GA platform to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. Launched inNovember 2022, in Bamako, this initiative leverages solar energy, distributed servers, and clinical decision support systems to digitize health services. Smart glasses enable healthcare workers to connect in real-time with medical experts, allowing for hands-free consultations, diagnoses, and training. This has reduced the need for medical evacuations, increased community trust, and tripled revenues in digitized health centers. Key achievements include the training of 400 health workers, the establishment of a national digital health strategy, and the deployment of telemedicine services in 34 health centers, benefiting nearly 500,000 people. The project has improved service delivery, financial transparency, and access to specialized care, including remote mental health services, especially for women and children. Contact: Ousmane Ly ([email protected])

• Pathways to Resilience: Beyond Rehab

This initiative aims to support individuals recovering from substance abuse in Rwanda. The project’s mission is to reduce relapse rates, improve social integration, and enhance public health by fostering community bonds and providing resources for sustainable recovery. With over 60% of young adults relapsing within a year, the project seeks to provide comprehensive post-rehabilitation services, focusing on community-based support, continual counseling, job placement assistance, and technology-enabled monitoring through tools like Taki Ai. The pilot program in Rwanda’s Gasabo and Huye districts is set to expand across Kigali and eventually all provinces, with plans to extend to other East African countries. The program’s scalability relies on data-driven monitoring, strategic partnerships, and job creation to empower participants and reduce substance abuse. Contact: [email protected]

What’s Next?

The conclusion of the forum is just the beginning. ASF has outlined a roadmap to continue supporting innovators and their solutions:

1. Global Recognition: Solutions presented will be shared on a global platform, allowing innovators to connect with partners and investors worldwide.
2. Scaling Solutions: ASF will work with participants to explore the scalability of their projects and identify necessary resources.
3. Collaborative Networks: Leveraging the extensive network of the SDSN and other collaborators, ASF will foster partnerships that drive impact.
4. Continuous Engagement: Presenters will get opportunities to participate in follow-up forums and events.

Stay tuned for updates on these incredible projects and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can turn innovative solutions into transformative action for a sustainable Africa.