Africa Advances Circular Economy Agenda with Action Plan and Climate Summit Push

At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held in Addis Ababa, African leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs signaled a shift from circular economy planning to delivery, marking the first major gathering since the African Union (AU) adopted its Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CCEAP) in July 2025.

The high-level session, “Delivering Africa's Circular Economy Agenda: From Roadmaps to Continental Action”, was convened on the sidelines of the summit by the African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). Together, these institutions are working to accelerate Africa’s transition to an economy built on resource efficiency, recycling, and innovation.

A Vision for Green, Inclusive Growth

African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati described the AU’s new plan as “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.” According to AU estimates, scaling circular solutions could unlock $546 billion in market opportunities and create 11 million jobs by 2030, delivering economic, social, and environmental dividends.

From Roadmaps to Action

The AU’s action plan builds on national circular economy roadmaps that several countries have already adopted. These roadmaps provide practical steps for governments to embed circular practices into industrial and urban systems.

Dr. Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, emphasized Africa’s unique alignment of vision, platforms, and resources:

• The CCEAP provides the continental vision.

• National roadmaps turn this vision into practical measures.

• Platforms like ACEA and ACEF mobilize partnerships and catalytic finance to scale initiatives.

Dr. Matthias Naab of UNDP added: “Africa’s journey toward a circular economy is no longer a distant vision; it is happening now. Its success depends on bold partnerships, local innovation, and the leadership of our youth and women.”

Linking Climate Action with Competitiveness

The discussions at ACS2 framed the circular economy not just as an environmental agenda, but as a driver of industrial competitiveness, regional trade, and sovereignty.

UNEP’s Dr. Margaret Oduk noted: “Circular solutions can reset Africa’s economy, accelerate a greener recovery, and make sustainability the baseline of development, not an afterthought.”

International partners echoed this vision. Finland’s Ambassador Sinikka Antila, representing one of ACEF’s key donors, shared her country’s experience in pioneering circular economy roadmaps that reshaped markets: “Africa holds advantages—scale, youth, and the urgency to leap ahead.”

Local Innovations on the Ground

Practical examples already underway demonstrate how circularity can drive transformation:

• In Rwanda, the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre is supporting entrepreneurs who convert discarded plastics into eco-bricks strong enough to build classrooms.

• In Ethiopia, the Environmental Protection Authority is embedding circular practices into new industrial regulations.

• Agritech entrepreneurs like Gabriella Sirak of Lersha in Addis Ababa are innovating in waste-to-value solutions but face challenges in scaling up beyond pilot projects.

Expanding Participation Across Africa

Momentum is growing, with more countries joining the effort. The National Circular Economy Roadmap programme has extended application deadlines to allow additional nations to participate. At ACS2, Chad and Ethiopia launched their national roadmaps, while Benin and Cameroon continue preparing their frameworks.

A Turning Point for Africa

The ACS2 dialogue showcased Africa’s determination to use the circular economy as a lever for climate resilience, industrial development, and inclusive growth. With strong continental frameworks, national strategies, and local innovation, African leaders are signaling that circularity is no longer a distant aspiration but a practical pathway to jobs, investment, and sustainability.