The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is grappling with a waste crisis that's not just environmental—it's a direct hit to economies and livelihoods. New data from the World Bank's report, Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa, reveals the region churns out over 155 million tons of waste yearly, more per person than the global average. That's set to double by 2050 without intervention, costing US$7.2 billion annually in environmental damage alone.
Urban hubs are ground zero. "Urban centers across the MENA region are on the frontline of the waste challenge," notes Almud Weitz, World Bank Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure. "Improving waste service delivery is critical to reducing pollution, protecting communities, and ensuring cities remain engines of growth and opportunity."
Collection looks decent at nearly 80%, but the real gaps are in recycling (under 10%) and treatment. Over two-thirds of waste is mismanaged, polluting air, soil, water, and seas—MENA leads globally in per-capita plastic leakage, with the Mediterranean paying a heavy price. Public health suffers, tourism takes a hit, and growth stalls.
The report points to clear opportunities for improvement. "Even a modest shift can make a big difference," says Mesky Brhane, World Bank Regional Practice Director for the Planet Department. "A one percent reduction in waste generation could save the region up to US$150 million annually."
Based on fresh analysis from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report maps practical paths forward. High-income nations should cut landfilling and ramp up circular models; middle-income ones aim for full collection and better recovery; fragile states focus on simple, community-led fixes. Up to 83% of collected waste could be reused, recycled, or turned into energy—unlocking jobs in services and recycling while fueling sustainable growth.
DMX closely tracks waste management reforms and investment flows shaping project pipelines across EMEA. Stay tuned to our website and LinkedIn for updates on these trends and sovereign development priorities.
