Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa, covering the period from 2024 to 2034. The plan aims to promote sustainability, boost economic growth, and increase resource efficiency across the continent. Developed with co-financing and technical assistance from the EU, the CEAP is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package.
The CEAP sets out a strategic framework for transitioning African economies to a circular model. This includes reducing waste, promoting reuse of materials, and expanding recycling efforts. The plan targets key sectors such as agriculture, energy, packaging, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, and textiles to embed circular practices.
The action plan includes initiatives to improve waste management systems and build recycling infrastructure through the use of green technologies and local innovation. It also aims to create green jobs and promote sustainable entrepreneurship, with a focus on empowering youth and women.
Another objective of the CEAP is to strengthen regional cooperation by encouraging cross-border policy alignment, knowledge sharing, and joint actions to create a unified circular economy landscape across Africa.
By promoting reduced consumption and sustainable production practices, the CEAP is expected to help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity preservation. Financial and technical support from the AU, EU, and other international partners is being mobilized to implement the plan and build the necessary institutional and human capacity.
The launch took place during the African Ministerial Conference on Environment and was attended by ministers, regional bodies, UN agencies, private sector actors, and MSMEs. These stakeholders presented existing circular economy initiatives and expressed support for CEAP’s vision to transform Africa’s economy into a sustainable and inclusive model.
