World Bank warns MENA’s US$7.2B annual waste crisis threatens tourism

MENA – The World Bank has issued an urgent call for action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), warning that the region’s escalating waste crisis, causing an estimated US$7.2 billion in environmental damage annually, poses a dire threat to public health and the vital tourism economy.

With waste generation projected to double by 2050, immediate intervention is critical to prevent severe environmental degradation and protect the region’s appeal to travelers.

A Region Drowning in Mismanaged Waste

The scale of the challenge is immense. MENA generates over 155 million tons of waste per year, with a per capita rate exceeding the global average.

While nearly 80% of waste is collected, systemic failure occurs thereafter: less than 10% is recycled, and over two-thirds is mismanaged.

This mismanagement leads to severe land, water, and air pollution, with the region contributing the highest per-capita plastic leakage into seas globally, severely impacting marine ecosystems and coastal areas.

Direct Threats to Tourism and Public Wellbeing

For the tourism and hospitality sector, which depends on pristine natural landscapes and clean urban environments, the implications are severe.

Iconic beach destinations, cultural heritage sites, and city centers risk becoming less attractive to visitors due to pollution, potentially leading to declining tourist arrivals and revenue.

Concurrently, public health suffers in communities near dump sites, with increased risks of respiratory illness and waterborne diseases from contaminated resources.

This dual threat undermines the quality of life for residents and the experience for visitors, creating a significant economic and social liability.

Circular Economy and Tailored Solutions as the Path Forward

The report advocates for a decisive shift toward a circular economy as the primary solution.

By improving collection, dramatically expanding recycling, and adopting waste-to-energy technologies, MENA countries can transform waste into economic opportunity.

The potential savings are substantial: even a 1% reduction in waste generation could save the region up to US$150 million annually.

The World Bank recommends tailored strategies: high-income Gulf states should invest in advanced recycling and waste-to-energy to minimize landfilling; middle-income nations must focus on achieving universal collection and improving treatment; and fragile states can deploy low-tech, community-based recycling programs.

For the hospitality industry, leadership in waste reduction and supporting local circular initiatives is becoming an essential component of sustainable tourism and operational resilience.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.