Hacking Bureaucracy Through Digital Inclusion of Informal Waste Pickers in Kano State

WaPDiT is a digital innovation transforming how informal waste pickers are recognized and integrated into public waste management systems in Kano State, Nigeria. Developed through collaboration between WAPAN, government partners, recyclers, and local communities, the platform uses GPS-tagged data, digital onboarding, and real-time tracking to formalize waste recovery activities that were previously invisible to public institutions. The pilot has onboarded 600 waste pickers and enabled the verified recovery of 67.5 tonnes of plastic monthly while improving transparency, accountability, and access to income opportunities. The session will explore how digital tools can “hack bureaucracy” by simplifying data systems, strengthening participatory governance, and creating more inclusive public services. It will also highlight lessons on cross-sector collaboration, community trust-building, and scaling circular economy solutions across government systems.