GIZ, Zoomlion and Blue Skies Launch InnoWaste Initiative to Empower Youth and Women through Recycling
A major new partnership aimed at tackling plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians has been launched in Accra.
The “InnoWaste: Empowering Youth through Innovative Plastic Waste Management Solutions” project, an innovative plastic waste management initiative implemented by GIZ and jointly funded through develoPPP on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in partnership with Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Blue Skies Products Ghana, seeks to turn plastic waste into a driver of jobs, income generation, and environmental sustainability, particularly for women and young people.
The project will support waste collectors, aggregators and recyclers to increase their incomes, improve working conditions and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment through circular economy approaches.
Speaking at the launch, the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster Coordinator, Wilhelm Hugo, described the partnership as a “triple win” for Ghana.
“This partnership between GIZ (develoPPP), Zoomlion and Blue Skies delivers an environmental win by reducing plastic pollution and advancing recycling; an economic win by creating business opportunities and green jobs; and a social win by improving livelihoods and empowering women and youth.”
According to him, the project demonstrates that building a circular economy goes beyond recycling and requires a fundamental shift in how resources are produced, consumed and reused.
Launching the project on behalf of the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Chief Director of the Ministry highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative in helping Ghana deliver on its environmental and economic development goals.
“The theme for the InnoWaste project launch, ‘From Waste to Wealth’ is more than an aspiration,” Suweibatu Adam stated. “Our National Plastics Management Policy has given us the vision, our Circular Economy Action Plan has provided the roadmap, and our updated Nationally Determined Contributions have demonstrated our commitment. The InnoWaste project now gives us an instrument for delivery.”
She added that the focus must now be on accelerating implementation, expanding inclusion and translating policy commitments into jobs, income, cleaner communities and a healthier environment.
The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Ghana and Germany in environmental governance and local development.
Rita Naa Odoley Sowah noted that the InnoWaste project represents another significant milestone in that partnership and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting its successful implementation through close collaboration with local assemblies and project partners. “This project has the potential to deliver tangible benefits to communities while generating valuable lessons that can be scaled across districts nationwide,” she said.
The InnoWaste project builds on GIZ’s longstanding support for Ghana’s transition to a circular economy. Through programmes such as Go Circular Ghana and interventions in plastic and e-waste management, GIZ has worked with government institutions, private sector partners and communities to strengthen recycling systems, reduce waste leakage into the environment and create green employment opportunities.
Through the InnoWaste initiative, the partners aim to create green jobs, improve social protection, enhance working conditions and promote dignified and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of Ghanaians, while accelerating Ghana’s journey toward a more resilient and circular economy.
