GABORONE, October 8, 2026 — Zimbabwean waste management company Geo Pomona Waste Management has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Botswana to explore integrated waste management projects, opening a new avenue for cross-border environmental cooperation and the potential expansion of Zimbabwean expertise into regional markets.
The agreement was witnessed by Botswana President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko at the Office of the President in Gaborone, with the two parties committing to explore practical solutions to waste management challenges through technical cooperation, feasibility assessments and institutional capacity building. The MoU was signed by Botswana Deputy Permanent Secretary for Projects, Ms Tshepo C. Kebakile, representing the Government, and Geo Pomona chief executive and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya.
President Boko welcomed the agreement, recalling his earlier visit to Geo Pomona’s facility in Harare, where he observed the transformation of the former Pomona dumpsite into an integrated waste management operation. He called for the commitments to be translated into tangible outcomes, underscoring the importance of moving from discussions to practical interventions that address environmental challenges.
The agreement represents a potential shift in how Zimbabwean companies participate in regional development, positioning waste management not only as a municipal service but also as a field for technical cooperation, infrastructure development and the growth of environmentally focused businesses. With urban authorities across the region facing pressure to manage increasing volumes of waste, the ability to develop effective systems for collection, processing, disposal and resource recovery is becoming an important component of sustainable urban development.
For Geo Pomona, the agreement provides an opportunity to test whether experience gained in Harare can be adapted to Botswana’s environmental, regulatory and institutional circumstances. The arrangement does not, however, amount to the award of a specific project or an implementation contract. Any future investments will depend on technical assessments, regulatory approvals, financing arrangements and definitive agreements between the relevant parties.
Dr Nguwaya described the MoU as a milestone in cooperation between Zimbabwe and Botswana, arguing that African countries could draw on their own expertise to address shared environmental problems. He said the partnership could support the development of integrated waste systems, strengthen local authorities, facilitate skills transfer and build institutional capacity.
The areas identified for cooperation include technical knowledge exchange, professional training, preliminary feasibility studies and the assessment of possible waste management infrastructure and project delivery models. The parties will also examine technologies and operational methods used by Geo Pomona to determine their suitability for Botswana’s needs.
A Joint Steering Committee will coordinate activities, identify priority areas, develop work plans and monitor progress under the agreement. The committee may establish a Technical Reference Group to advise on issues including landfill rehabilitation, resource recovery, infrastructure, environmental safeguards and technology options.
The proposed institutional arrangements will be important in determining whether the agreement moves beyond diplomatic goodwill to a credible programme of technical work. Waste management projects require more than equipment and operational expertise. They depend on sound planning, sustainable financing, regulatory compliance, public-sector coordination and the ability of local authorities to maintain services over time.
The economic opportunity also extends beyond the management of refuse. Properly designed integrated systems can create opportunities for recycling, materials recovery, skills development and green employment, while reducing environmental risks associated with poorly managed waste. Whether these benefits materialise in Botswana will depend on the projects eventually identified, their commercial viability and the environmental standards applied during implementation.
The agreement also highlights the growing importance of regional partnerships in developing solutions to shared infrastructure and environmental challenges. By exploring cooperation with Botswana, Geo Pomona is seeking to establish a role for Zimbabwean technical expertise beyond the domestic market, potentially creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and the development of regional business relationships.
Dr Nguwaya said the initiative aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action and international partnerships. He stressed that the value of the agreement should ultimately be measured by improvements in communities rather than the signing ceremony itself.
For Botswana, the immediate task will be to identify its priority waste management needs and determine which technical approaches are suitable for its local conditions. For Zimbabwe, the agreement presents an opportunity to demonstrate that domestic companies can participate in regional development through the export of expertise and services, rather than relying exclusively on traditional commodity exports.
The next phase will therefore be decisive. Establishing the joint coordination structures, defining priority activities and completing preliminary technical assessments will determine whether the MoU develops into viable projects capable of attracting financing and delivering measurable results.
The significance of the agreement lies not in a confirmed investment or an awarded contract, but in the opening of a formal pathway for Zimbabwean waste management expertise to be assessed for use in Botswana. If the proposed cooperation produces technically sound, financially sustainable and environmentally responsible projects, it could provide a foundation for deeper regional collaboration in the green economy.
