Finland eyes partnership with Zambia on adoption of circular economy strategies for solid waste management

Finland has expressed interest in partnering with Zambia to advance resilient business innovations and adopt circular economy strategies for municipal solid waste management across local authorities.

This development follows a bilateral meeting between Saana Halinen, Finland’s Ambassador to Zambia, a visiting Finnish Circular Economy Business Delegation led by Tampere Deputy Mayor Ilkka Porttikivi, and Zambia’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo, on Wednesday.

The delegation also toured the Chunga Dumpsite in Lusaka, the only government-gazetted solid waste disposal facility in the city, operated by the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company.

The tour, led by Permanent Secretary for Administration Maambo Haamaundu, aimed to give Finnish stakeholders firsthand insight into Zambia’s waste management challenges.

Speaking during the tour, Ambassador Halinen highlighted Finland’s expertise in waste-to-energy solutions and resource recycling.

“Finland is ready to share best practices and explore collaboration in areas like resilient business innovations and circular economy strategies for municipal solid waste management,” Halinen said.

She added that Finland launched the world’s first National Circular Economy roadmap in 2016 and is currently implementing its second roadmap.

Finnish companies, such as Pirkanmaan Jätehuolto, are keen to introduce solutions for transforming waste into energy and products like building blocks for affordable housing.

Haamaundu reaffirmed the Zambian Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners to enhance sustainable solid waste management.

He stated the need for improved infrastructure, technical support, and capacity-building for local authorities to deliver efficient waste services.

“The government is working on innovative solutions to promote sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic growth through better solid waste management,” Haamaundu said.

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