Solid Waste Management Solutions Assessment in Matola, Mozambique

The study focused on four objectives:

1. Mapping the current waste value chain in Matola-Maputo,
2. analysing key constraints and opportunities in solid waste management,
3. identifying suitable centralised and decentralised waste management solutions,
4. compiling relevant evidence from existing literature and stakeholder consultations.

The assessment was conducted in close collaboration with the Municipality of Matola, including its sanitation and environment department, and with contributions from municipal technical staff, neighbourhood representatives, waste pickers, private recycling and collection businesses, academia, NGOs and international cooperation actors. Field engagement included visits to Malhampsene landfill, discussions with informal waste pickers, exchanges with private sector actors such as recycling and collection companies, and consultations with partners working on waste, circular economy and environmental solutions.

The findings show that Matola faces a growing waste management challenge. Residential waste is estimated at over 400 tonnes per day in 2025, with business and market waste adding significantly to the total volume. The municipality’s current system relies on limited collection resources, two main dumpsites, and a constrained budget, while significant amounts of household waste are still buried, burnt or dumped informally, especially in areas without reliable collection coverage.

At the same time, the study highlights important opportunities. Plastics, metals, aluminium, cardboard, paper and some glass are already being collected, traded, recycled or exported, often through informal waste pickers and local entrepreneurs. This shows that waste is not only an environmental challenge, but also a resource with potential to generate income, strengthen local businesses and create more dignified jobs in neighbourhoods.

Three priority solution areas were assessed.

1. First, larger infrastructure options such as waste-to-energy or refuse-derived fuel for cement were considered but found to carry major feasibility risks due to high investment costs, uncertain waste quantities and quality, and operational requirements.
2. Second, landfill improvements were identified as important, including better access control, fencing, weighbridges, hygiene facilities and dedicated areas for waste pickers or entrepreneurs.
3. Third, the study found strong potential in decentralised community transfer, sorting and pre-processing models, where neighbourhood-based entrepreneurs could separate, compact or process different waste streams closer to the source.

This decentralised approach is particularly promising because it builds on existing local structures. It can reduce pressure on municipal collection, improve the quality of recyclable materials, lower transport needs, and support micro, small and medium enterprises already active in the waste value chain. It also aligns with Swisscontact’s experience in market systems development, local governance, private sector engagement and inclusive economic opportunities.

The study confirms the importance of strong municipal leadership and coordinated support from development partners. With targeted technical assistance, improved data, better landfill management, support to neighbourhood entrepreneurs and continued collaboration between the municipality, private sector and communities, Matola can move towards a more circular and inclusive waste management system.

Through this assessment, Swisscontact contributed technical expertise, local stakeholder coordination and practical solution analysis to support future investment decisions. The collaboration between the Municipality of Matola, the Norwegian Embassy in Maputo and Swisscontact demonstrates how local governance, international cooperation and market-based approaches can come together to address one of the most pressing urban challenges in Mozambique.

The study was led by Pascal Fuchs, Project Coordinator at Swisscontact, with technical expert contributions from Zoë Lenkiewicz of Global Waste Lab and Cameron Smith of Unwaste.io. It was developed with technical and logistical support from the Municipality of Matola, with special thanks to Council José António Quive, Sanitation and Waste Management Department Director João Agostinho Mucavel, and technical expert David Nazaré Chirindza.