THE FREEDOM BEACON

Ethiopia generates over 386,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with more than 70% poorly managed and less than 10% recycled, creating mounting risks for cities, agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, public health and livelihoods. The study calls for stronger regulation, modern waste and recycling infrastructure, producer responsibility, circular-economy investment and coordinated action by government, development partners and the private sector.

Botswana’s diamond slowdown has exposed a US$6.2 billion development financing gap, rising public debt and an urgent need to diversify the economy through better public spending and stronger domestic revenue mobilisation. The AfDB sees major opportunities in pension savings, PPPs, private investment, natural capital and diaspora finance to fund infrastructure, create jobs and build a more resilient economy beyond diamonds.