Tanzania, March 14 -- Arusha. Environmental experts, policymakers and private sector leaders from the eight member states of the East African Community (EAC) have convened in Arusha to explore ways of transforming waste into an economic resource through regional policies and circular economy initiatives.

The meeting comes as the region is estimated to generate 56.7 million tonnes of waste annually, yet only about 40 percent is properly processed and managed. The rest is often dumped in open spaces and along streets, posing serious environmental and public health risks.

Participants at the forum said better waste management could unlock significant economic opportunities, including investments, job creation and the development of new ind...