The World Bank’s flagship report, “Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa,” reveals that the region currently generates over 155 million tons of waste each year, a figure projected to nearly double to 294 million tons by 2050. Poor waste management costs the region around US$7.2 billion each year in environmental damage. Food waste alone causes US$60 billion in losses, in a region where one in six people faces severe food insecurity. The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities in the waste sector across the region. Through new data from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report recommends pathways to advance waste management systems, tailored to high-income, middle-income, and fragile/conflict-affected countries. It calls for investment to modernize waste systems, reduce food loss and promote measures in line with the principles of circular economy. The report highlights that up to 83 percent of the waste collected in MENA could be reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Transitioning to a circular economy could also create better jobs, particularly in waste services and recycling, while turning today’s waste crisis into a driver of sustainable growth. The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities in the waste sector across the region. Through new data from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report recommends pathways to advance waste management systems, tailored to high-income, middle-income, and fragile/conflict-affected countries. It calls for investment to modernize waste systems, reduce food loss and promote measures in line with the principles of circular economy. The report highlights that up to 83 percent of the waste collected in MENA could be reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Transitioning to a circular economy could also create better jobs, particularly in waste services and recycling, while turning today’s waste crisis into a driver of sustainable growth.