Published on
Policy

This page is part of Circular Economy in Africa: Examples and Opportunities, a collection of insights exploring key questions on accelerating the circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. across the continent.


Policies that support the circular economy

The adoption and implementation of policies that can accelerate the transition to a circular economy are still in their early stages in African countries but momentum is growing.

Policymakers are increasingly recognising that the circular economy can help to deliver on broader environmental, economic, and job creation objectives alongside meeting a wide range of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a result, the integration of the circular economy into policy developments at the local, national, and intergovernmental levels is underway. Political leadership that can set a clear pathway will be crucial to accelerate the transition.

Landscape of fields
Landscape

This article gives an overview of the current state of play for circular economy policy in Africa at national, city, and regional level. It also touches upon the need for comprehensive circular economy policy strategies, including ones to support post-pandemic economic recoveries, the importance of participatory, multi-stakeholder policymaking, and the crucial role of trade policies.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation logo

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

ICLEI Africa logo

ICLEI Africa

Chatham House logo

Chatham House

University of Lagos logo

University of Lagos

Download

Circular economy in Africa - Public policy is available in: EnglishPortuguês 

Circular economy in Africa articles

Abstract image
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Automotives

Opportunities for automotive remanufacturing as an important step in this broader transformation.

  • Design
Building
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Built environment

The intersection of multiple challenges facing African cities means that innovative approaches to...

  • Cities
  • Built environment
Inside of an electronic device
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Electronics and e-waste

Africa is ranked as the world’s fastest-growing mobile phone market, creating multiple economic and...

  • Design
  • Business
Textiles on washing line
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Fashion and textiles

Textiles and clothing are a fundamental part of everyday life and an important sector in the global...

  • Fashion
Data bar charts
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Finance

The financial sector plays a key role in scaling up financing to accelerate the shift to a circular...

  • Finance
Person eating food
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Food and agriculture

Rethinking collaboration across supply chains to produce food regeneratively.

  • Biodiversity
  • Food
Abstract image
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Plastics

Plastic pollution presents not only an environmental issue, but also a major socio-economic and...

  • Plastics
Cityscape
Article

Circular economy in Africa: Policy

The current state of play of circular economy policy in Africa.

  • Policy

You may also like