In less than ten years, MENA’s waste production will outpace comparable economies in South Asia and Africa.

Some entrepreneurs are already viewing this material as a resource rather than a problem.

The Wamda Research Lab’s (WRL) recent report MENA's Cleantech Startups show there is already a promising group of successful entrepreneurs and SMEs working in cleantech.

A country-breakdown of SME activity identifies a concentration in Egypt and Jordan, but the trend is picking up in Tunisia, Morocco and Saudi Arabia too.

However, the report also shows significant gaps in the cleantech ecosystem. Minimal R&D resources are hindering entrepreneurs’ ability to prototype and test their ideas, there aren’t many VC investors offering ‘patient’ capital, and university research is difficult to access for private use.

There are also few mentors in cleantech in this region, limited public awareness around cleantech solutions, and artificial energy prices set by governments.

Aside from improving access to investment and R&D resources, the WRL recommends greater community development to increase the awareness of cleantech, and that more people need to be trained in the sector both in terms of employees and specialized mentors.