In most African countries, waste collection services are inadequate. There is an average collection rate of only 55% for municipal solid waste. More than 90% of the waste generated in Africa is disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills, often with associated open burning. Nineteen of the world's fifty largest dumpsites are located in Africa, all in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

In Africa, recycling is taking off, largely due to poverty, unemployment and socioeconomic needs rather than due to government or private sector design. An estimated 70–80% of municipal solid waste generated in Africa is recyclable, yet only 4% of it is currently recycled.

The price to pay for this sluggish waste management is high. This is observed in the impact of mismanaging waste in Africa as follows.

Increased marine plastic litter which results from poor disposal of waste. This can cause pollution of oceans which damages marine diversity and further causes decline in coastal economies. In urban areas, indiscriminate dumping causes high risk of poor sanitation , flooding and spread of waterborne diseases. Open burning of plastics increases release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and increases risk of respiratory infections.  

Nevertheless, there is a great deal of opportunity in waste management which is seen in the green economic potential of much needed regular and reliable waste collection services, sanitary engineering of landfills, and reuse and recycle of materials. 

In conclusion, it is urgent that African countries address the current challenges of waste management so as to prosper economically, socially and health wise.

References

Africa: Waste Management Outlook - UNEP.

https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25515/Africa_WMO_Summary.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y