A South Sudanese-owned company, the African Wealth Management Authority (AWMA), has committed to transforming waste into renewable energy to benefit the country. The announcement was made during the company’s launch in Juba on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Dr. Bill Gueth, AWMA’s co-founder, emphasized the company’s mission to address environmental and energy challenges in South Sudan. He highlighted the potential to convert waste, currently discarded in many parts of the country, into valuable resources.
“South Sudan’s resources must be harnessed for the benefit of its people,” Dr. Gueth said. “Our goal is to generate electricity from waste materials that are currently disposed of. For instance, we can use this technology to power critical institutions like children’s hospitals in Juba.”
He urged the government to partner with AWMA on a pilot project, emphasizing the company’s readiness to demonstrate its impact. Dr. Gueth also outlined the broader vision of creating a cleaner environment and improving waste management practices across the nation.
Prof. Francis Gatluak, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Dr. John Garang Memorial University, praised the establishment of AWMA, recognizing its potential to address key challenges in South Sudan.
“I encourage the company to prioritize meeting customer needs,” Prof. Gatluak advised. “Understanding the importance of your customers is crucial to your success. Failing to do so could lead to problems.”
He also urged caution, advising AWMA against expanding too quickly without conducting thorough feasibility studies, stressing the importance of a sustainable approach.
Peter Zimzim Desh, the Chief Executive Officer of AWMA said the company will address several critical issues in Africa’s wealth management and environmental sectors.
These include a lack of professionalism, limited collaboration, inadequate regulation, financial exclusion, low financial literacy, unsustainable growth, wealth inequality, capacity-building gaps, environmental degradation, and resource management challenges.
The company’s efforts align with a broader vision for sustainable development in South Sudan, combining innovation in waste management with renewable energy solutions to improve the lives of its citizens.
