IFAT Africa

Being at IFAT Africa in person was something truly special. You often go to trade fairs expecting good conversations, but this one went deeper – it felt more like a shared journey than a standard industry event. From the very beginning, there was a noticeable openness – people weren’t just stopping by for a quick look, they came with real questions, with ideas, and often with specific challenges they were facing in their regions. We spoke with NGOs, university groups, start-ups and experienced operators alike – and everyone had a unique perspective on what circular economy could look like in Africa. What really stayed with me were the conversations with people working in manual sorting. Some of them shared concerns about the impact new technology might have on their jobs – and those conversations were incredibly honest. But instead of shying away from the topic, we took the time to explain, to listen, and to show how innovation can create new opportunities and not just replace old ones. It reminded me why it's so important to not just present a product, but to show up – to be present, listen, and engage on equal footing. That’s what builds trust, and that’s how real partnerships begin. Looking back, those moments of connection were probably the most valuable part of our entire trip.