*3.1.1 Municipal solid wastes*

MSW has emerged worldwide as the source of energy. Report by IEA [9], electricity generated from MSW worldwide increased from 8,313 GWh in 1990 to 38,648 GWh in 2018. Africa is also generating MSW. In 2012 analysis, it was reported that Africa generated 125 million tones with 1,125 PJ but only collected 68 million tones [15]. It is projected that in 2025, 244 million tones with 2,199 PJ will be generated and 168 million tones will be collected [15]. Furthermore, it was reported that if landfill energy recovery technology is used, in 2012, 155 PJ would have been recovered while in 2025, 363 PJ will be recovered. If all wastes are collected and converted to electricity, 62.5TWh could be generated in 2012 and expectation to be 122.2 TWh. With targeted collection, 34.1 TWh and 83.8 TWh could be generated in 2012 and 2025 [4]. The increase in African population and purchasing power will lead to high generation of MSW. For example, in sub-Saharan region, MSW was predicted to increase from 300,000 t/day in 2010 to 3,250,000 t/day in 2100 [16]. This is the huge potential for use.

Apart from high potential, MSW also have high organic contents that become good source of energy. Their poor management leads to environmental pollution through degradation. The average composition of MSW in Africa, for example of sub- Saharan Africa, is about 57-78% organic, 9% paper/cardboard, 13% plastic, 4% glass, 4% metal and 13% other materials. This gives advantages on separation and treatment since large amount is energy part. Fewer amounts of plastics and metals indicate the applicability of low technologies such as anaerobic digestion can be utilized since organic parts are easily degradable. Although of high energy potential from these biodegradable organic waste, MSW remains largely an untapped resource for the continent [5]. Therefore, good policy, investment, and technology are important factor to utilize this energy.
