Africa Steps Up Circular Economy Drive at Climate Summit
At the African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders and innovators highlighted Africa’s growing circular economy drive, set to unlock jobs and growth.
StorySpotlight
By Thuku Kariuki - What if Africa could unlock billions in new markets while tackling climate change head-on? That bold vision took center stage at the African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, where leaders championed the rise of a circular economy.
Earlier this month, the African Development Bank (AfDB) used the sidelines of the summit to spotlight one of the continent’s most promising pathways to sustainable growth.
Leading the charge was Dr. Anthony Nyong, AfDB’s Director for Climate Change and Green Growth. He emphasized that Africa already has the blueprint to succeed:
“Africa has the vision through the AU’s Action Plan. It has national roadmaps that translate this vision into practical steps. And it has the platforms, through ACEA and ACEF, to connect these efforts and mobilize resources at scale.”
Countries are already walking the talk. Ethiopia’s Environmental Protection Authority is embedding circularity into new industrial regulations, while Rwanda continues to be a continental frontrunner.
In Kigali, the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Center is supporting entrepreneurs turning discarded plastics into eco-bricks and has shown how these can be used to build classrooms.
Key players driving this momentum include AfDB’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). ACEF provides catalytic finance, while ACEA, hosted by the AfDB, aligns governments and drives cross-border projects.
Finland’s Ambassador to the AU, Sinikka Antila, highlighted lessons from her country’s pioneering roadmap:
“We’ve seen how circularity can drive systemic change. And Africa holds advantages: scale, youth, and the urgency to leap ahead.”
From the UNDP, Dr. Margaret Oduk underscored the opportunity for transformation:
“Circular solutions can reset Africa’s economy, accelerate a greener recovery, and make sustainability the baseline of development, not an afterthought.”
Her colleague Dr. Matthias Naab added that Africa’s shift is already underway:
“The journey toward a circular economy is no longer a distant vision; it is happening now… rooted in the aspirations of our people. Its success depends on bold partnerships, local innovation, and the leadership of our youth and women.”
Several nations are already on board. Chad and Ethiopia launched their roadmaps before the summit, while Benin and Cameroon are preparing theirs. The energy is spreading fast and private sector innovators want in.
Gabriella Sirak of Lersha, an agritech startup in Addis Ababa, made the case for stronger support:
“We can innovate and respond to demand, but what we lack are the pathways to grow beyond pilots.”
By 2030, Africa’s circular economy could unlock $546 billion in market opportunities and create 11 million jobs.
As AU Commissioner Moses Vilataki summed up:
“Our plan is a stage for a green, inclusive and resilient future and a chance for Africa to lead the global circular economy while tackling climate change head-on.”
The work ahead is daunting, but Africa’s momentum is undeniable. The continent is not just joining the global circular economy movement, it is shaping it.
