Johannesburg is powering ahead on its journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Following the signing of a landmark agreement on 8 October 2025, the City has secured a major grant of €27.5 million (about R548 million) from Invest International Public Programmes, a leading Dutch development finance institution.
This significant funding marks a new chapter in the City’s commitment to sustainable waste management through the Alternative Waste Treatment Technology (AWTT) Project — a game-changing initiative that will revolutionise how Johannesburg handles its waste.
The signing ceremony took place in Sandton, alongside the G20 Trade Ministerial, and was attended by Aukje de Vries, the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, as well as representatives from Infrastructure South Africa (ISA). Their collaboration underscores the strong international confidence in Johannesburg’s sustainability vision.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, thanked Invest International. “I extend our deepest gratitude to Invest International and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the generous grant. This is far more than funding; it is a powerful endorsement of our vision for a greener Johannesburg and a tangible commitment to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.”
Looking ahead, the AWTT Project will serve as a cornerstone of the City’s Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) and align with the National Waste Management Strategy and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) goals. The focus is clear: to drastically reduce landfill dependency, promote recycling and reuse, and harness renewable energy from waste.
“Beyond environmental benefits, the project will bring about meaningful social and economic transformation. It will uplift waste picker communities, create green jobs, promote gender inclusion, and stimulate local innovation through circular economy solutions,” said Mayor Morero.
This partnership stands as a powerful testament to Johannesburg’s leadership in sustainable urban development. With the backing of Invest International, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Infrastructure South Africa, the City is charting a bold course towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive future — proving once again that Johannesburg is not just managing waste but transforming it into opportunity.