Mnangagwa Tours Accra Recycling Plant After Ghana–Zimbabwe Waste Partnership Deal

April 5, 2026

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has visited the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) as part of his official State visit to Ghana, highlighting the facility as a model for modern waste management and a practical example of how African-led solutions can address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd of Zimbabwe. The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two companies in the area of waste management and environmental sustainability.

During the tour, President Mnangagwa expressed admiration for the level of innovation and operational efficiency at the facility, noting that technology-driven waste management systems are critical to addressing sanitation challenges across Africa.

He emphasized that modern waste processing methods not only improve sanitation but also create opportunities for value addition, environmental protection, and job creation. According to him, African countries must invest in knowledge, build local capacity, and adopt efficient systems that promote both public health and economic growth.

The Zimbabwean leader further stated that partnerships such as the one between Jospong Group of Companies and Geo Pomona Waste Management demonstrate the potential of collaboration in delivering sustainable solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.

He described the initiative as a clear example of how African expertise can be harnessed to provide practical and scalable solutions, stressing the importance of shared vision and cooperation among nations.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed prior to the visit outlines key areas of collaboration between the two companies. These include improving waste collection, processing, recycling, and disposal systems, as well as sharing technology, equipment, and technical expertise.

The agreement also places strong emphasis on sustainable waste management practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting recycling. Both parties are expected to leverage their respective strengths to enhance operational efficiency while working within a structured framework that allows for periodic review and renewal of the partnership.

Industry observers note that the partnership could play a significant role in strengthening waste management infrastructure in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, where there is growing demand for improved sanitation systems.

The collaboration is also expected to support the transfer of modern waste management technologies and expertise, contributing to the development of a circular economy while creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Speaking during the visit, Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, commended the working conditions at the facility, describing them as a positive indicator of how the sanitation sector is evolving.

He explained that his visit was focused on assessing employment levels and worker welfare, adding that he was satisfied with the standards observed at the plant. According to him, interest in sanitation-related jobs has increased significantly in recent years, particularly among young people.

Dr. Pelpuo noted that the sector, which was previously undervalued, is gradually gaining recognition as structured systems and improved working environments make it more attractive to job seekers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, described the engagement as a reflection of growing strategic ties between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

He stated that the Jospong Group operates 76 subsidiaries across 16 sectors and remains committed to delivering African solutions to African challenges through innovation, investment, and partnerships.

As part of the visit, President Mnangagwa and his delegation were taken through a detailed technical presentation outlining the operations of the facility. Officials explained that ACARP has the capacity to process up to 1,200 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily.

The plant utilizes advanced systems, including conveyors, shredders, and screening units, to separate recyclable materials from organic waste. The organic component is then processed into compost for agricultural use, supporting sustainable farming practices.

During the inspection tour, the President visited the control room and various operational sections of the plant, where he observed the sorting lines, composting tunnels, and monitoring systems that coordinate the entire process.

He also interacted with engineers and technical staff, seeking further insight into the operational model and its potential for replication in Zimbabwe.

The visit underscores a broader commitment by both Ghana and Zimbabwe to deepen cooperation in environmental management and industrial development. Stakeholders believe that such partnerships can serve as a foundation for long-term collaboration across multiple sectors.

With increasing urbanization and waste generation across African cities, experts argue that investment in modern waste management infrastructure is essential to maintaining environmental health and supporting sustainable development.

The Ghana–Zimbabwe partnership is therefore being viewed as a strategic step toward addressing these challenges while unlocking economic opportunities within the sanitation sector.

The tour concluded with renewed assurances from both sides to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore further areas of partnership, positioning waste management as a key driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability on the continent.

ACARP remains one of the flagship waste management facilities operated by the Jospong Group of Companies, with similar projects spread across Ghana’s 16 regions.