Stakeholders say transitioning to a just and inclusive circular economy in Africa presented a unique opportunity to create jobs, drive economic growth, and reduce pressure on natural resources.

According to a statement by the Economic Commission for Africa, the stakeholders spoke at a two-day workshop organised by the commission in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Indian Ocean Commission.

It focused on reviewing a Circular Economy Action Plan aimed at promoting sustainability across African and Indian Ocean Island States.

Nassim Oulmane of Natural Resources and Green and Blue Economy at ECA reiterated the potential of a circular economy to address Africa’s waste management challenges.

Mr Oulmane said this would help unlock an annual market opportunity of approximately eight billion dollars on the continent.

“By shifting away from the traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ economic model, Africa can drive economic diversification and create sustainable solutions for resource management,” Mr Oulmane said.

Raj Mohabeer, the officer in charge at the IOC’s general secretariat, said the circular economy was a vital lever for sustainable and innovative actions.

According to Mr Mohabeer, it has a positive impact on the environment, economy, and well-being of African populations.

Mr Mohabeer called for an innovative regional financing mechanism to transcend national boundaries and support multi-actor, multi-country initiatives in the blue and circular economy.

Lisa Singh, the United Nations resident coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, emphasised the importance of climate change action plans and financing mechanisms in successfully transitioning to a circular economy.

Ms Singh announced the launch of the Experts Working Group for the Circular Economy, which would develop and implement circular economy strategies across the region.

Speaking on Africa’s sustainable development, Caroline Tagwireyi, Senior Mitigation Officer at the AUC’s Climate Change, Sustainable Environment, and Blue Economy Directorate, acknowledged the continent’s vast marine resources.

She restated the need to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in alignment with Agenda 2063, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement.

“The circular economy model is key to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution while leveraging Africa’s rich marine resources,” Ms Tagwireyi said.

ECA, in collaboration with the IOC and its partners, is spearheading initiatives such as the Great Blue Wall Initiative.

This aims to preserve marine biodiversity and promote sustainable coastal management in East African islands and coastal states.

The commission is also supporting the African Island States Climate Commission in establishing carbon markets and integrating them into a broader economic framework.

The workshop reiterated the urgent need for African nations to embrace circular economy principles to ensure long-term sustainability, economic growth, and environmental resilience.

(NAN)