6th Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown, 12 December, 2025 -The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) on Friday hosted a high-level delegation from PETCO Ethiopia, strengthening a growing south–south partnership aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s waste sector through circular economy solutions and coordinated national action.
It should be noted that PETCO Ethiopia is a private-sector–driven Producer Responsibility Organization that promotes recycling and circular economy practices across Ethiopia. It partners with government, businesses and communities to collect plastic waste, support sustainable production, create green jobs and strengthen policy frameworks. The organization is recognized as one of East Africa’s leading models for advancing circular economy solutions.
Giving an overview of Sierra Leone’s local governance system and waste management architecture, the Director of the Decentralization Secretariat, Alex Bonapha Esq., noted that decentralization was reintroduced in 2004 following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. Through the Local Government Act of 2004, 54 functions were devolved to local councils including waste management. He explained that while government provides policy direction, councils handle implementation, but limited resources, inadequate capacity and lack of engineered landfill sites have slowed progress. He highlighted that only the Freetown City Council currently converts waste into usable by-products, while other councils rely on open dumping.
Minister of Local Government, Amb. Tamba Lamina, expressed appreciation for PETCO Ethiopia’s commitment, recalling that the partnership began in October during a Sierra Leonean delegation’s study visit to Ethiopia. That visit resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 October between MLGCA, WHH, and PETCO Ethiopia. According to the Minister, Sierra Leone is still in the early stages of developing a circular economy and continues to face enormous challenges especially in Freetown, where population pressure, inadequate landfill space and poor waste disposal culture persist. He noted that efforts to acquire new landfill sites have been complicated by land disputes and community resistance.
He announced that the Ministry is fast-tracking the development of a National Waste Management Strategy with support from the World Bank’s urban resilience project. A consultant has already submitted an inception report, which will be shared with PETCO Ethiopia for input. The Minister also revealed plans to establish an inter-ministerial steering committee that will include local councils, EPA, the Environment Ministry and other stakeholders to coordinate reforms. He underscored that this partnership is particularly meaningful because it is an African-to-African collaboration, driven by shared realities and practical experiences. “What we saw in Ethiopia is the missing piece,” he said.
Executive Director of PETCO Ethiopia, Mihiet Teclemarial, expressed strong enthusiasm for the collaboration. She explained that PETCO Ethiopia is a non-profit producer responsibility organization founded by the private sector to promote circular economy practices, protect the environment, and support sustainable production. The organization works with government, private companies and communities to promote recycling, green jobs, and responsible resource use. She emphasized that circular economy is now a necessity, not a choice, and that Sierra Leone’s waste streams present rich opportunities for job creation and innovation. “Waste is full of wealth,” she said, reaffirming PETCO Ethiopia’s readiness to begin practical action immediately.
Country Director of WHH, Octave Banazeza, commended the government for turning goodwill into concrete action, something he said was often missing in previous partnerships. He noted that coordination remains the biggest challenge in Sierra Leone’s waste sector, but the PETCO partnership brings clarity and fills the “missing piece” needed to move from plans to results. He confirmed that the visiting team will continue engagements and field visits across Freetown and the provinces to understand local realities.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Alfred Moi Jamiru, expressed optimism about the partnership’s future. He noted that although he could not travel to Ethiopia due to another official engagement, he was encouraged by the progress achieved. He described the collaboration as futuristic and capable of transforming Sierra Leone’s waste sector. He recalled earlier national initiatives where waste was exchanged for food or income and expressed happiness that Sierra Leone is once again moving toward innovative waste solutions.
The meeting end with a presentation of different items that were made of waste products by the Senior Program Director of PETCO ETHOPIA, Dr. Ayele Hegena.
For more details:
Frederick V. Kanneh
Senior Information Officer, MLGCA
