Growing up in Akim-Akwatia, a diamond-mining town in Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh witnessed the environmental and social fallout of poor wastewater management.

“It was destroying communities, poisoning ecosystems, and perpetuating poverty,” recalls Tetteh, now a senior researcher at Durban University of Technology and winner of the NSTF-South32 Award for emerging researchers. “It was a pivotal moment that made me realise how engineering solutions, particularly those linking water and energy, can change lives.”

Today, he leads transformative projects supported by the Water Research Commission and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). His focus? Developing smart, scalable technologies that tackle water, waste, and energy challenges, all while creating socio-economic value for vulnerable communities.

At the core of his work is the Smart Wastewater-to-Energy System (SWTES), a homegrown solution developed from his PhD research. This adaptable, smart system treats high-strength wastewater, generates biogas for renewable energy and produces irrigation-quality water.

It is circular economy thinking at its finest, addressing multiple crises simultaneously. “Our system integrates anaerobic digestion, advanced oxidation and digital monitoring. It reduces emissions, enhances food and energy security, and creates value from waste.”

Proven in industrial pilots — from sugar refineries to oil plants — SWTES has enabled oil recovery, achieved zero waste discharge and created multiple revenue streams through electricity generation, biochar, and even construction materials like bio-bricks.

But he’s quick to point out that success isn’t just about technology. “My passion lies in applying engineering science to solve real-world problems. South African municipalities, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, face immense pressure to deliver water and sanitation services amid rising energy costs and ageing infrastructure.”

Dr Tetteh holds an NRF Y2 rating and has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications. Yet, it’s mentorship that brings him the greatest pride.

 “Two of my postgraduate students have won the ENI Young Talent Researcher from Africa Award — the same award I received in 2019 in Rome,” he says. “That moment, standing in the Quirinal Palace and representing Africa, validated that our innovations can lead globally.”

The path hasn’t been easy. Permit issues as an international scholar, limited funding and infrastructural constraints tested his resolve.

“These challenges taught me resilience and the importance of strategic partnerships,” he reflects.

Currently spearheading green hydrogen research and plastic-to-energy innovations, Tetteh uses AI modelling, digital monitoring tools and life-cycle assessments to ensure his work is not only groundbreaking but also scalable and sustainable.

“Success isn’t just peer-reviewed papers,” he says. “It’s real-world impact. When technologies like SWTES are deployed across Africa, embedded in policy, and helping people, that’s when I’ll know we’ve made it.”

For this engineer, the NSTF-South32 win extends beyond personal validation: “It sends a powerful message to future scientists: their work matters, their voices count, and their efforts are essential in building a resilient and sustainable future for SA and the continent.”

Read the special Mail & Guardian supplement about all the NSTF-South32 Award winners.