African nations are turning their circular economy ambitions into action, marking a key milestone at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa. For the first time since the African Union (AU) adopted its Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CCEAP) in July 2025, leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners gathered to outline concrete steps for scaling circular economy initiatives across the continent.
The high-level dialogue, “Delivering Africa’s Circular Economy Agenda: From Roadmaps to Continental Action,” was hosted by the African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). ACEF provides catalytic financing for circular projects, while ACEA serves as a platform for governments to align reforms and collaborate on joint ventures.
AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati hailed the Action Plan as “a stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future,” emphasizing Africa’s opportunity to lead the global circular economy while combating climate change. According to AU estimates, this transition could unlock $546 billion in market opportunities and create 11 million jobs by 2030.
Dr. Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, highlighted Africa’s readiness: “The vision is clear, the national roadmaps are in place, and the platforms exist to connect efforts and mobilize resources for scale.”
Echoing this momentum, Dr. Matthias Naab of UNDP described the CCEAP as a “shared blueprint for transformation,” stressing the importance of bold partnerships, local innovation, and the leadership of youth and women in driving an inclusive, resource-efficient economy.
Speakers linked the circular economy to industrial strategy, framing climate action as a pathway to competitiveness, trade growth, and economic sovereignty. UNEP’s Dr. Margaret Oduk noted that circular solutions can “reset Africa’s economy, accelerate a greener recovery, and make sustainability the baseline of development.”
International support also featured prominently. Finland’s Ambassador Sinikka Antila shared her country’s success with a national circular roadmap, underscoring Africa’s unique advantages—scale, a young population, and the urgency to leapfrog traditional development paths.
Practical examples illustrated progress: in Rwanda, entrepreneurs are transforming discarded plastics into eco-bricks strong enough for school construction, while Ethiopia’s Environmental Protection Authority integrates circularity into new industrial regulations. However, challenges remain, as innovators like Gabriella Sirak of agritech firm Lersha called for stronger pathways to scale beyond pilot projects.
The summit also expanded the National Circular Economy Roadmap programme, inviting more countries to join. Chad and Ethiopia launched their roadmaps ahead of the event, while Benin and Cameroon continue preparations, signaling growing continental momentum.
With the AU’s action plan, financing mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration, Africa is moving from strategy to implementation—positioning the circular economy as a driver of sustainable growth and climate resilience.
