Our team led by the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, recently embarked on a knowledge-sharing visit to the Valorsoul Waste-to-Energy plant in Portugal.
The visit, which was on the sidelines of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Energy Recovery Working Group Meeting that ended last Friday, marked a significant step in advancing Zimbabwe’s journey toward sustainable waste management and renewable energy.
The visit underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing waste challenges while unlocking opportunities for innovation in clean energy production.
Speaking after the tour, Dr Nguwaya emphasised the importance of this engagement for Zimbabwe’s own sustainable waste management efforts.
“Our visit to Valorsoul reinforced that waste is not a burden, but a resource,” he said.“By investing in technology and best practices, Zimbabwe can turn waste into a driver of energy security, job creation, and environmental sustainability.”
The delegation’s exposure to Valorsoul’s operations comes at a critical time when Zimbabwe is seeking modern solutions to urban waste management and climate resilience.
The knowledge exchange is expected to shape the next phase of Geo Pomona’s project in Harare, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable waste-to-energy solutions in Africa.
Valorsoul, one of Europe’s leading waste-to energy facilities, showcased how modern technologies can convert municipal solid waste into reliable, renewable energy.
Dr Nguwaya said beyond technology transfer, the visit provided valuable insights into community engagement and governance models.
“One of the key lessons from Portugal is that effective waste-to energy solutions require not only infrastructure, but also strong partnerships with local authorities, communities, and industries.“
“This inclusive approach ensures long-term success,” he said.
The trip also underlined the importance of innovation and adaptability to local contexts.
“At Geo Pomona, we are inspired to tailor these global learnings to Zimbabwe’s unique needs. Our focus will be to scale up solutions that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with our national development goals.”
