Eight African Nations Launch Circular Economy Roadmaps

The Africa Circular Economy Facility is expanding its reach to Angola, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Benin, Chad, Ethiopia, and Mauritius. While Angola, Liberia, Madagascar, and Senegal are currently identifying priority sectors for their initial roadmaps, Benin, Chad, Ethiopia, and Mauritius have begun shifting existing strategies into concrete policy and institutional action.

Anthony Nyong, director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the African Development Bank, noted that the continent faces an annual development financing gap exceeding $400 billion. By formalizing circular economy policies, these governments intend to build domestic productive capacity and attract investment into projects that favor reuse, repair, and local manufacturing over waste-heavy export models.

Specific national targets highlight the shift toward economic diversification. Chad aims to generate 25,000 green jobs and reduce non-recycled waste by 40 percent by 2035. Meanwhile, Benin has implemented a 10-year plan focused on reaching a 25 percent recycling rate and fostering 300 new circular-focused businesses. These efforts reflect a broader transition where resource efficiency becomes a core component of national economic planning, rather than a peripheral waste-management concern.