Johannesburg secures major grant for green waste initiative

Johannesburg is accelerating its journey towards a cleaner, greener future

Following the signing of a landmark agreement on 8 October 2025, the City has secured a substantial grant of €27.5 million (approx. US$31.94mn) from Invest International Public Programmes, a leading Dutch development finance institution.

This funding marks a new chapter in the City’s commitment to sustainable waste management through the Alternative Waste Treatment Technology (AWTT) Project — a transformative initiative set to revolutionise waste handling in Johannesburg.

The signing ceremony, held in Sandton alongside the G20 Trade Ministerial, was attended by Aukje de Vries, the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, along with representatives from Infrastructure South Africa (ISA). Their collaboration reflects strong international confidence in Johannesburg’s sustainability vision.

The executive mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, expressed, “I extend our deepest gratitude to Invest International and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the generous grant. This is far more than funding; it is a powerful endorsement of our vision for a greener Johannesburg and a tangible commitment to South Africa's Just Energy Transition."

Looking ahead, the AWTT Project will form a cornerstone of the City’s Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP), aligning with the National Waste Management Strategy and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) objectives. Its focus is to reduce landfill reliance, promote recycling and reuse, and harness renewable energy from waste.

“Beyond environmental benefits, the project will bring about meaningful social and economic transformation. It will uplift waste picker communities, create green jobs, promote gender inclusion, and stimulate local innovation through circular economy solutions," said Morero.

With the backing of Invest International, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Infrastructure South Africa, this partnership underscores Johannesburg’s leadership in sustainable urban development. The City is charting a bold path toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive future, proving that Johannesburg is transforming waste into opportunity.