German Development Agency (GIZ) has unveiled a transformative high-tech device to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste sorting in Lagos State.
The launch of the device and signing of the partnership agreement with the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) took place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Lagos.
The event, which was described as a transformative waste disposal management, had in attendance officials of GIZ, top dignitaries from plastic manufacturing companies, WAPAN members and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the idea behind the launch of the project and device, GIZ representative, Markus Wauschkuhn, emphasised that effective sorting of waste in Nigeria has a huge financial gain yet untapped.
“Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with a large portion ending up in landfills or informal dump sites.
“Informal waste pickers play a critical role in recovering recyclable materials, yet they often lack access to proper tools, training, and support to maximise the value of their work.
“As global and national conversations shift toward circular economies and inclusIve green growth, empowering waste collectors particularly women and youths has become increasingly essential.
“The Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria programme, implemented by GIZ, is committed to supporting locally driven, inclusive economic models,” he said.
Wauschkuhn added that GIZ recognised the potential in the waste management sector and the environmental/social impact which led the development of the device.
“We have also resolved to enhance productivity, improve incomes, and promote decent employment to informal workers.
“To this end, GIZ initiated a partnership with the WAPAN, German technology firm trinamiX, and BASE West Africa to promote improved waste sorting practices with handheld sorting devices.
“These devices, developed with advanced German technology and tested in Nigeria, offer a transformative solution to inefficiencies in the waste collection value chain.
“At the heart of this collaboration is a shared goal to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste sorting, leading to higher earnings for waste collectors through better-quality, hand-sorted materials.
Wauschkuhn also emphasised that the project would begin with a pilot phase designed to build upon insights from previous data testing efforts.
“As part of this pilot, WAPAN members will be equipped with handheld waste sort devices, developed by trinamiX, a German tech company, and locally tested in Kano by BASF West Africa in collaboration with WAPAN.
“The devices use advanced sensing technology to accurately identify and sort a wide range materials, including plastics, textiles, carpets, polyurethane mattresses, and photovoltaic modules.
“The initiative aims to reach all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria. The project not only provides technical tools but also delivers targeted capacity-building interventions to enhance the skills of waste collectors.
“It particularly targets women and youth, identified as entrepreneurs with strong social and economic impact potential. Through this partnership, GIZ continues to promote innovative, community-driven solutions, systemic challenges in the waste management sector,” he said.
Also speaking, WAPAN Executive from Kano State, Mr. Aliyu Auwal, said the introduction of the device as a pilot project in Kano has been helpful and rewarding.
“This is a device that I know will revolutionise waste collection in Nigeria.
“It has been tested and certified and well proven to deliver especially in sorting out different types of plastics used by different manufacturers even money made from polymer,” he said.
The event also included signing of a partnership programme in which WAPAN members would be trained on the use of the hand device and ways to generate more incomes for themselves.
Other dignitaries that attended the event include: trinamiX representative, Susanna Loecher, representative from the German Consulate in Nigeria, Dochen Schindelarz, and a director from BASF, Jean Marc.
By Mercy Omoike