The MEA Region is Making Significant Strides in Embracing Green Tech Solutions
Maxim Haartsen, the Co-founder and CEO of eJaby, says the rapid growth in renewable energy investments and the rising consumer demand for sustainable products indicate a promising trajectory toward a greener future
What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the MEA region in the context of technology and digitalization?
The MEA (Middle East and Africa) region faces several unique environmental challenges linked to technology and digitalization. The rapid adoption of technology has led to a surge in electronic waste. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, Africa generated 2.9 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019, with less than 1% being formally recycled. There is also the growing demand for data centers and cloud computing in the MEA region which significantly contributes to carbon emissions, given the region’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Additionally, in Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, food waste remains a critical issue. According to research, food waste from food service and retail reaches $23 billion annually in the region, with 250 kg of food wasted per person every year.
How is the MEA region embracing green tech solutions compared to other global regions?
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is making notable progress in adopting green technology solutions. Recent developments indicate a significant acceleration in renewable energy investments and initiatives across the region. The Middle East has become the fastest-growing renewables market outside of China. Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are leading this surge. For instance, the UAE recently announced plans for a $6 billion, 5-gigawatt solar plant equipped with substantial battery storage to ensure consistent power output. Similarly, Saudi Aramco is venturing into lithium production to support battery manufacturing.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are set to add 62 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity over the next five years. This marks a more than threefold increase compared to the previous five-year period, with solar power accounting for over 85% of this expansion. In the MEA region, the demand for eco-friendly products is nearly twice as high compared to Europe and North America. This heightened consumer interest presents a significant opportunity for businesses to introduce sustainable products and services.
Despite these advancements, the MEA region still faces challenges such as adapting existing infrastructure, which has traditionally been built for fossil fuels, to efficiently integrate renewable energy sources. However, the region’s abundant solar and wind resources, combined with increasing investments, position it well to overcome these hurdles and become a significant player in the global green technology landscape.
While the MEA region is making significant strides in embracing green technology solutions, it still has ground to cover to match the infrastructure and policy frameworks of Europe and North America. Nonetheless, the rapid growth in renewable energy investments and the rising consumer demand for sustainable products indicate a promising trajectory toward a greener future.
Are there any unique regional challenges or opportunities?
The MEA region presents both unique challenges and opportunities in the sustainability landscape. Climate extremes, such as high temperatures and water scarcity, pose significant obstacles, particularly in agriculture and supply chain management, where maintaining sustainable practices becomes more complex. Additionally, regulatory variability across different MEA countries complicates the implementation of uniform green technologies, as businesses must navigate a patchwork of inconsistent policies.
However, these challenges are met with promising opportunities. The rapid growth of e-commerce in the UAE, projected to have reached $6.98 billion in 2024, offers a substantial platform to drive sustainable initiatives and eco-friendly consumer behaviour. Moreover, innovative platforms like eJaby are transforming food and product overstock into valuable consumer goods, reducing waste while making premium products more accessible and affordable.
What role do you see government initiatives playing in driving the adoption of green tech solutions in the MEA region? Can you provide specific examples of successful policies or programs?
Government initiatives are crucial for scaling green tech solutions in the MEA region. Some notable examples include the UAE’s Ne’ma Initiative, which aims to cut food waste by 50% by 2030. This encourages collaboration between private sectors, including e-commerce platforms like eJaby, to manage overstock efficiently.
In the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and increase investments in renewable energy, with significant strides in solar and wind energy projects.
In Morocco, its Noor Solar Project is one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants, showcasing how government policies can drive sustainable technology adoption.
How are technology providers like you contributing to the development and adoption of green tech solutions in the MEA region?
At eJaby, we’re committed to reducing supplier overstock providing a marketplace for high-quality overstock products. Our platform empowers consumers to make sustainable purchasing choices while helping suppliers cut down on excess inventory. By offering real-time inventory management tools, we help businesses optimize their supply chains, reducing environmental impacts associated with overproduction and waste.
What are the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in the green tech sector within the MEA region?
With rising consumer awareness, there’s a growing demand for platforms like eJaby that offer sustainable products and services. Innovations aimed at reducing waste, improving water usage, and enhancing agricultural productivity present massive opportunities. As infrastructure develops, there’s room for significant growth in solar, wind, and hybrid energy solutions.
What are your company’s sustainability goals for the MEA region, and how are you working towards achieving them?
At eJaby, our sustainability goals are focused on reducing overstock by offering a dedicated platform for premium overstock items. We aim to significantly reduce waste in the supply chain and this includes educating consumers to make sustainable choices. We believe in the power of positive shopping and by making it easier and more accessible for everyone, we’re committed to setting a precedent for how e-commerce platforms can drive sustainability across the MEA region.
