Germany has commenced a circular economy digital marketplace in Lagos state for sustainable waste value chain growth in the country. The digital platform known as Circulary, supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) as well as the Chambers for GreenTech (DIHK Service GmbH), aims to address critical challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and waste management in the state while fostering collaboration between Nigerian and German businesses.

The delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Timo Pleyer, said the challenges of overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, transportation, energy access, water supply and waste management in Lagos state are undeniable.

He said despite the million tonnes of household waste generated yearly in the state, only 30 per cent are properly collected and processed. Pleyer said to address the issue, the delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, conducted an extensive assessment of Lagos State’s waste sector, which resulted in the implementation of the circular economy digital marketplace, designed to connect and streamline all facets of the waste value chains in the state.

Pleyer said with customised features such as a marketplace that is akin to an eBay for recyclable materials, information hubs, matchmaking algorithms and others, the digital platform will support by creating a local free market for recyclable materials and recyclates for all types of waste.

He said it will also promote business partnerships, facilitate access to Made-in-Germany technologies and products, provide market entry and market expansion opportunities in Nigeria and Germany as well as provide access to reliable information to encourage investment in the sector.

In his remark, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Weert Borner, said the German government has brought the digital circular economy marketplace as part of its improved partnership with Nigeria to make businesses much greener.

He said while the German government has implemented the initiative in several countries to ensure environmental sustainability, it is also implementing it in Nigeria starting with Lagos State, which is one of the biggest economies in Africa.

The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the vibrant economy and dynamic ecosystem of Lagos present exciting market opportunities for the promotion of sustainable waste management solutions.

She said the circular economy is gaining traction in Nigeria as the government takes initiatives to promote sustainable development and create market opportunities

Fawase said the circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise the value of resources by promoting recycling, reuse and regeneration as well as creating jobs and transitioning to renewable energy sources for a sustainable future.

The National President, the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Olugbenga Adebola, said the platform will provide more exposure as well as encourage more efficient and effective waste collection, which will bring about segregation of wastes.