Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
The International Solid Waste Association Africa Regional Chapter has hailed the Geo Pomona facilities as a benchmark for sustainable waste management and circular economy practices following a tour held at the facility yesterday.
The visit marked the conclusion of the ISWA 2026 Africa Regional Conference, which was hosted in Harare and brought together waste management experts, policymakers, academia and industry players from across the continent.
Speaking after the tour, ISWA Africa Regional Chapter Advisory Board chairperson Ms Mpendulo Ginindza said she was impressed by the facility’s integrated approach, which blends environmental sustainability, social impact and economic value.
“I am very excited about everything that I have seen,” said Ms Ginindza.
“My reaction is that waste management does contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, and we have seen all of that on this campus. It is really impressive.”
She noted that Geo Pomona’s model demonstrates how effective waste management can go beyond environmental protection to promote health, wellness, innovation and collaboration.
“We can come to Geo Pomona and learn about how it can be done elsewhere,” she said.
“Africa already has the capabilities to do the same work.”
Geo Pomona has integrated waste management with recreational and commercial facilities, a development highlighted by the recent opening of a five‑star restaurant at the site.
Representing Geo Pomona CEO and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, operations and compliance manager Ms Anesu Zingambe said the facility’s participation in the conference had strengthened partnerships with countries across the region.
“Geo Pomona is happy because of the partnerships and collaborations that we have built,” she said.
“We had countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Eswatini and Ghana represented here, and all of them were very impressed with the work being done.”
Ms Zingambe said the company was looking forward to expanding cooperation and replicating the Geo Pomona model beyond Zimbabwe.
“We are looking forward to further collaborations, and in the next few years we hope to replicate the Geo Pomona model across the region and beyond Africa,” she said.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Ms Amkela Sidange, who was also part of the tour, described the transformation of the site as a major milestone for Zimbabwe.
“This is the joy of every Zimbabwean,” she said.
“From being an environmental nuisance to a facility that speaks to development.”
Ms Sidange underscored the importance of adopting circular economy principles, noting that most waste has economic value.
“Ninety percent of the waste that we generate is recyclable, compostable or reusable,” she said, adding that, “it only becomes waste when we waste it.”
The conference focused on advancing sustainable waste management solutions and strengthening regional collaboration, with the Geo Pomona tour providing delegates a practical demonstration of how innovation can transform waste challenges into economic opportunities.
