By Amb. Canon Otto — Convener, Global Sustainability Summit; Founder, Cleancyclers
As Africa accelerates its transition into a renewable-energy future, one truth is becoming unmistakably clear: solar power is only as sustainable as the systems built to manage it at the end of its life cycle. And the world is now shifting its attention to this critical gap — a gap that Cleancyclers has stepped forward to fill with bold innovation and unwavering commitment.
For years, policymakers, businesses, and climate advocates across the continent celebrated the massive deployment of solar panels. From rural mini-grids to urban rooftop installations, solar energy became a symbol of hope — a cleaner path forward.
But few asked the essential question:
What happens when these solar panels reach the end of their 20–25–year lifespan?
Today, as the first generation of Africa’s solar installations approaches retirement, the challenge has arrived at our doorstep. And as I continue to champion global conversations through the Global Sustainability Summit and amplify voices on sustainabilityUnscripted, I have become more convinced than ever that sustainable energy without sustainable waste management is only half a solution.
Cleancyclers: Leading the Solar Waste Revolution
At cleancyclers, we have studied the lifecycle, risks, and opportunities embedded in discarded solar panels. These panels contain valuable materials — aluminum, glass, silicon, and sometimes toxic elements that must be handled with precision.
And this is where Africa must lead, not follow.
Instead of waiting for the solar recycling crisis that has already overwhelmed other regions, Africa has the opportunity to build a circular solar economy from the ground up. A system where solar waste becomes raw material. Where discarded panels become engines of economic growth. Where the communities who adopted clean energy early do not bear the burden of unmanaged e-waste.
This is the vision Cleancyclers is committed to building.
Africa’s First Wave of Solar Waste Is Coming — And We Must Be Ready
Across the continent, millions of solar panels installed from 2010 to 2015 are now entering their decline phase. Without a clear recycling ecosystem, the risk is enormous:
- Toxic waste leakage into soil and groundwater
- Illegal dumping in informal waste sites
- Loss of valuable recyclable materials
- Community and environmental health risks
As the convener of the global sustainability summit, I have listened to experts, investors, and innovators from more than 40 countries emphasize the same message:
Solar recycling is not optional. It is a necessity.
Africa has a narrow window to get it right — and Cleancyclers is building the blueprint.
Canonotto’s Perspective: Why This Moment Matters
Each time I speak at the Global Sustainability Summit or share insights on sustainabilityUnscripted, I stress the same point:
Sustainability is not just about creating new solutions; it is about managing yesterday’s solutions responsibly.
Solar energy gave Africa hope.
Solar recycling will secure Africa’s future.
This is why we are positioning Cleancyclers as a catalyst — a hub for innovation, research, circular design, youth empowerment, and green manufacturing rooted in solar waste recovery.
We are not merely preparing for the solar waste challenge.
We are building an industry around it.
An industry that creates:
- Jobs
- Cleaner communities
- New materials
- Export opportunities
- Climate resilience
- A circular economy grounded in African ingenuity
This is the Africa I believe in.
This is the Africa Canonotto will continue to fight for.
This is the Africa Cleancyclers is committed to serving.
A Call to Action: The Future Is Circular
The next chapter of Africa’s sustainability journey requires courage — and collaboration.
Governments must develop policy frameworks.
Companies must adopt responsible end-of-life management.
Communities must embrace new recycling behaviors.
Investors must see solar recycling as the trillion-dollar industry it is becoming.
And at the center of this movement, cleancyclers stands ready — leading Africa into the new age of solar recycling with conviction, innovation, and purpose.
This is not just a project.
It is not just a company.
It is a continental commitment to a cleaner, smarter, circular future.
The world is watching.
Africa is ready.
And Cleancyclers is here to lead.
