Solutions from the ground up: reflections from a global convening of zero waste activists
January 12, 2026
Published by Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) on Nov 07, 2024
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The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has been awarded the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the Clean Our Air category. Recognized for its impactful Zero Waste Model, GAYO is making strides in sustainable waste management and air quality improvement across African cities. This prestigious award was announced during a globally broadcast ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, seeks to accelerate and scale the most effective solutions addressing the world’s greatest environmental challenges. GAYO’s Zero Waste Model, a community-driven approach, tackles waste burning by promoting sustainable waste practices, creating green jobs, and empowering local communities. Their work aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution by up to 70% compared to open burning practices in Ghana while aiming to divert 4,000 tonnes of waste by 2030.
A Climate Solution with Global Impact
“The concept of the Zero Waste Model is designed as an inclusive climate solution that transforms individuals’ behavior to observe environmental justice principles. It is a testament to how collaboration with communities and local governments can create a world free from toxins,” said Desmond Alugnoa, Co-founder of GAYO. GAYO’s innovative model not only tackles waste pollution but also addresses the socioeconomic challenges faced by vulnerable communities, bringing income opportunities to marginalized groups such as waste pickers.
With this recognition, GAYO’s efforts demonstrate how grassroots solutions can scale for meaningful, sustainable impact, making it a leading model in sustainable waste management for the African continent.
Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
As part of their Earthshot Prize win, GAYO will receive £1 million to further scale its impact and reach additional communities. This support, coupled with technical assistance from the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme, will empower GAYO to deepen its collaborations and build additional partnerships that advance climate resilience across Africa. The Earthshot Prize’s Global Alliance of Partners will also provide GAYO with invaluable resources and mentorship to continue developing and scaling its innovative waste management solution.
About GAYO
Founded in 2014, the Green Africa Youth Organization is a youth-led, gender-balanced organization dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability across Africa. Through community-focused projects, GAYO empowers local populations to take an active role in protecting the environment, improving air quality, and building circular economies.
For more information on GAYO and their journey as an Earthshot Prize Winner, please visit GAYO on Earthshot or follow GAYO’s social media channels for updates.
About the Earthshot Prize
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot challenge, The Earthshot Prize was established by Prince William in 2020 to catalyze the most innovative solutions for the world’s environmental issues. Each year, the Prize spotlights and accelerates impactful solutions across five critical areas: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. To learn more, visit www.earthshotprize.org.
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