The paper proposes to define a waste collection criticality index that is based on a quantified census of the current solid waste management situations of 24 African cities. The proposed index allows to compare collection efforts, to draw up a typology of cities and to highlight those where the situation is alarming. Identifying direct and indirect factors that may accentuate the specific problem of uncollected waste provides an interesting context. The exploration of the current context in different African cities has shown a growing interest in the particular issues of uncollected waste. In addition, the specificities related to the composition of waste and the problem of rapid change in lifestyle, as well as inadequate infrastructures require revisions and new perspective into public policy responses. However, decision-making in waste management still needs a dashboard with reliable indicators as well as recent data that is essential for economic analysis and for choosing an appropriate governance method adapted to each city. In this context, the criticality index applied to African cities, has revealed the impossibility of enhancing waste management without improving urban infrastructure and reducing poverty.