Malawi’s Public-Private Partnership Commission Board has granted approval for Ghana’s Jospong Group of Companies to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for integrated waste management facilities. Dr Misheard Yagontha Munthali, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources, confirmed the decision during a media interaction on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. According to MyJoyOnline, the board’s clearance removes the final administrative hurdle, allowing the Ghanaian firm to proceed with operational assessments in Malawi.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Malawi and Jospong after a delegation visited Ghana. Dr Munthali stated that the study will determine the scope, suitable locations, and investment requirements for the proposed facilities. He noted that Jospong is expected to coordinate with the ministry to formalize the study through an official letter. The initial phase targets four city councils: Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba, and Mzuzu, with potential expansion to 28 district councils later.
Dr Munthali described the approval as a breakthrough, emphasizing Malawi’s eagerness to move quickly. He explained that previous visits to Jospong’s operations shifted the government’s perspective, viewing waste not as a nuisance but as an economic resource. The partnership aims to convert waste into fuel, gas, and other materials while improving sanitation. Dr Munthali added that the project could create jobs for young people and open economic opportunities for women.
Addressing concerns about local displacement, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes clarified that the model would not push out small-scale waste operators. MyJoyOnline reported that local businesses would continue collecting waste from communities and transporting it to Jospong’s designated facilities for processing. Wiskes stressed that effective coordination is necessary to ensure a steady waste supply and protect local interests. The feasibility study will identify operational gaps and determine how local businesses can be integrated into the partnership.
Tawonga Mbale-Luka, Director of Environmental Affairs, stated that Malawi expects foreign investors to transfer technical skills and strengthen domestic capacity. Wiskes also highlighted interest in generating carbon credits and rehabilitating landfill sites into community parks, drawing on Jospong’s experience. The study is expected to provide a roadmap for investment and operational arrangements, laying the groundwork for a long-term partnership between the two nations.