Tech

Rwanda sets pace for plastic cycle management. Here’s how

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2022

Rwanda has teamed up with 13 other countries and the European Union to come up with a proposal that is calling for a full spectrum approach to plastic pollution.

The proposal, which calls for the creation of an internationally legally binding agreement covering all stages of the plastic life cycle and by adopting a circular economy approach to plastics, was presented at the United Nations (UN) Environmental Assembly meeting in Nairobi discussing the problem of plastic waste.

The proposal covers plastic use and disposal, the extraction of raw materials and plastic production.

Delegates from member countries have put forth proposals for a binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution.

Waste management has been one of core environmental challenges in the world, particularly in Africa. In Nigeria, one of Africa’s most populous countries, about some 32 million tonnes of waste are generated per year of which 2.5 million tonnes are plastic waste. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria generates 9,000 tonnes of waste daily with 86 percent of it plastic.

Kenya environmentalist and activist, Wanjira Mathai, while reacting to the development, said

“We must celebrate what Rwanda is trying to do because we know that on the continent Rwanda continues to lead with respect, they were the first country to ban single use plastic. Most of us followed later, keeping our environment clean. It is a country that has got credibility with respect to this agenda. I really hope they get the support that is needed. With the information we have today, with what we know today about the impacts of plastics on our oceans, on our environment we cannot be those people. We have got to find alternatives so I hope they get the support they need,”

In February 2021, Wildlife group WWF published a report written in collaboration with Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute.

The study compiled data from 2,590 scientific studies on the topic and found that plastic has infiltrated all parts of the ocean, and called for urgent efforts to create an international treaty on plastics.

According to the WWF report published, 88% of marine species it studied are affected by severe contamination of plastic in the ocean. The report said that many animals have ingested these plastics, including animals commonly consumed by humans.

In the Rwandan capital, Kigali, plastic waste is being recycled by a local company.

Related Topics:Featured plastic polution Rwanda

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Tech

Kenya’s startup BuuPass partners with GiftPesa to launch digital travel vouchers

Published

1 hour ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing and transportation management solutions startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with fintech company, GiftPesa, to introduce digital travel vouchers ahead of the holiday season.

In a statement by BuuPass cofounder and CEO, Sonia Kabra, the move will offer a more flexible and convenient way for Kenyans to manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

“We’ve noticed a growing demand for digital solutions in the travel industry, especially during peak periods like the holiday season,” said Kabra.

“This partnership with GiftPesa enhances the travel experience for our customers, offering them a convenient way to send travel tickets as gifts and have a safety net for unconfirmed travel dates.

“Unlike traditional paper vouchers that can expire or get lost, GiftPesa vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed in parts at over 3,000 outlets across the country.

“This flexibility allows recipients to use the vouchers for multiple trips or select their preferred destination, making travel more accessible,” she added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a leading B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

GiftPesa, on the other hand, is a fintech startup that provides businesses and individuals with a platform for creating digital vouchers.

The partnership between the two companies will introduce digital travel vouchers, helping users manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.