The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) made a compelling case for the transformative power of the circular economy in addressing land degradation, desertification, and drought during the 10th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). Held on September 6th in Abidjan, the event served as a clarion call for African nations to join the Alliance and seize the vast opportunities presented by the circular economy.

The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), in partnership with Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains and Circularium Africa Advisory, has released a paper titled “Reducing Plastic Pollution in Africa: The Imperative of a Continental rPET Standard for Food-Contact Applications”. The publication provides a practical strategy to address the rising plastic pollution crisis in Africa through the adoption of a unified standard for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) unveil the 30 innovative Micro Small and Medium Enterprises from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Rwanda selected to join the AfriCircular Innovators Programme. The goal is to create a ripple effect of innovation and sustainable practices that contribute to the broader development of Africa's circular economy.

Ethiopia has begun developing a National Circular Economy Roadmap (NCER) with financial backing from the African Development Bank's Facility for Circular Economy (ACEF). This project, also involving the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), aims to foster innovation, efficient resource use, and improved policy frameworks.

On May 15, 2024, Benin officially launched its National Action Plan for the Circular Economy, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF). Developed in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), this initiative aims to help Benin meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by adopting a more sustainable and responsible approach to natural resource utilization.

The global push towards a circular economy has found an important touchpoint within Africa’s mining sector, as discussed at the World Circular Economy Forum 2024 held in Brussels from 15th to 18th April. The accelerator session organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for Finland and the African Circular Economy Alliance themed "Enhancing Circularity in Africa's Mining Sector" was the opportunity to dissect and enhance the circular potential of Africa's rich mineral industry.

In an ambitious stride towards sustainability, Chad has hosted its inaugural workshop to develop a national circular economy roadmap, marking a transformative moment for the country. As a member of the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), Chad's commitment to circularity promises to overhaul key sectors including Waste Management, Agro-Industry, Energy, Plastics and Chemicals, Water, and Construction and Civil Engineering.

During the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) held in Nairobi from 26th February to 1st March, the world leaders were brought together to discuss the intertwined challenges of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. The African Circular Economy Alliance stressed how crucial it is for Africa to mainstream the circular economy to tackle these urgent issues and promote sustainable industrial development in the continent. 

Africa, grappling with unique challenges in plastic pollution management, must address factors like population growth, evolving consumer behaviors, and inadequate recycling infrastructure. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, faces substantial annual plastic waste generation and low recycling rates. Without intervention, there is a projected 197 percent increase in waste in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2050, particularly plastics. ACEA is currently facilitating discussion for a pan-African rPET standard

Uganda has embarked on a significant initiative to foster sustainable growth and green industrialization through the development of a circular economy. This milestone represents a proactive step toward realizing the country's Vision 2040. Through strategic collaboration with ACEA and backed by the African Development Bank's Facility for Circular Economy (ACEF), Uganda is paving the way for sustainable socio-economic development, setting a benchmark for others to follow.​

 

When it comes to climate change and Africa, the usual narrative revolves around the increasing vulnerability of the continent to the negative effects of climate change.However, a panel discussion held on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai advanced a more optimistic view. The discussion on Advancing Circular Economy for Climate Resilience in Africa concluded that Africa could be a hub of opportunity for combating climate change. The African Development Bank, the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and ACEA cohosted the event.