Report: Somaliland’s Plastic Waste Value Chain

The report provides an analysis of Somaliland’s plastic waste value chain, with a focus on understanding current waste management practices, identifying key stakeholders in public, private and informal sectors, and exploring opportunities for improvement. The study locations were the urban centers of Hargeisa, Buroa, and Borama.

Somaliland currently lacks comprehensive data and research on plastic waste management, making it challenging to design effective policies or attract international funding. By providing a detailed analysis of the sector, this study fills a critical knowledge gap, offering actionable recommendations that can inform government strategies, foster public-private partnerships, and attract investment from international development agencies.

The study maps and analyses the value chain, shedding light on the contributions and challenges faced by waste collectors (formal and informal), aggregators, recycling facilities, local authorities, and community groups. By identifying gaps and inefficiencies within the system, this research seeks to provide actionable insights and recommendations that can inform policies, foster strategic interventions, and build a more effective, equitable, and sustainable waste management framework for Somaliland.

Many existing initiatives in Somaliland have primarily focused on end-of-life waste management activities and by examining upstream factors such as the production, importation, and consumption of plastic, this study sheds light on how these stages contribute to the growing waste crisis.

Understanding the different types of plastic resins is essential for effective recycling and processing. Plastics can generally be classified into two categories; thermoplastics and thermosets. This report concentrates specifically on plastics that are recyclable, primarily thermoplastics, which can be repeatedly melted and reformed without losing their properties.

Key findings revealed significant gaps in Somaliland’s waste management infrastructure, with limited formal systems for plastic collection, segregation, and recycling. Most of the plastic collection are driven by informal actors who among other actors such as aggregators, face operational challenges like high costs, lack of financing, and limited access to advanced technologies. Despite these challenges, the sector offers significant economic potential, particularly through job creation and small-scale entrepreneurship opportunities.

Key recommendations

• Strengthen Policy Frameworks, governance and regulations that formalize waste management systems, including collection, segregation, and recycling, and encourage responsible plastic production, importation, and disposal.
• Support quantitative research to measure plastic waste volumes and monitor progress in waste management systems.
• Stronger collaboration, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPPs), was identified as essential to improving systemic efficiency. Partnerships with international organizations and investors to mobilize funding for large-scale projects.
• Expand and modernize waste management infrastructure, including recycling plants, collection systems, and sorting facilities. This can be done through incentives and investments in infrastructure and technology.
• Decentralize waste management systems to include rural areas, ensuring equitable access to recycling services. Investigate rural waste management practices to identify challenges and opportunities for extending recycling programs.
• Explore the feasibility of circular economy approaches and encourage the adoption of circular economy approaches, such as waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, to minimize environmental impacts.
• Implement targeted programs to empower women and informal waste collectors, offering training, funding, and leadership opportunities. Improve working conditions for informal waste collectors to ensure safety, dignity, and fair compensation.