Circular Economy Discussions at Africa Conferences
Circular Economy Gains Momentum Across Africa Through Key Conferences
In 2025, Africa has emerged as a focal point for advancing the circular economy, with a series of high-profile conferences underscoring the continent’s commitment to sustainable development and resource efficiency. These gatherings have brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to chart a course toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
7th Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE) Workshop
On January 28, 2025, Johannesburg hosted the 7th GFCCE workshop, co-organized by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and India’s Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The two-day event aimed to enhance South-South cooperation in solid waste management and build the capacity of officials from 18 African nations. Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts emphasized the importance of policy reforms and robust implementation mechanisms to foster sustainable waste management practices. (gov.za)
Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025
From February 19 to 21, 2025, Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre hosted Africa’s Green Economy Summit. The summit connected project owners with global investors dedicated to funding Africa’s transition toward a just and inclusive green economy. Discussions spanned sectors such as agriculture, energy, finance, manufacturing, and mining, highlighting the continent’s potential for sustainable growth. (circularsouthafrica.co.za)
Nature and Circularity Week – South Africa
In May 2025, South Africa held Nature and Circularity Week, featuring field trips, workshops, and two interconnected events: the Human (In) Nature Conference and the South Africa Circular Summit 2025. These events encouraged participants to rethink their relationship with nature and explore how circular thinking can reshape systems for mutual benefit. (circulareconomyafrica.org)
World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2025
From May 13 to 15, 2025, São Paulo, Brazil, hosted the WCEF 2025, where the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) represented nine member countries. ACEA co-organized a high-level session focusing on designing and implementing national circular economy roadmaps and integrating circularity into climate and biodiversity strategies. The forum facilitated peer exchange among governments and explored solutions to mobilize and scale circular economy finance through public-private collaboration. (aceaafrica.org)
ISWA Africa Maiden Conference 2025
Scheduled for August 19 to 21, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, the inaugural ISWA Africa Conference will convene government leaders, private sector champions, international agencies, and sustainability practitioners under the theme “Charting Africa’s Path to a Wasteless Future: Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Waste Management.” Key themes include waste infrastructure, policy integration, regional collaboration, and innovation and investment opportunities. (iswaafrica.org)
G20 Johannesburg Summit
Looking ahead, Johannesburg is set to host the 20th G20 Summit on November 22 and 23, 2025. Under the motto “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the summit will prioritize Africa’s development, with South Africa advocating for global debt reform and support for developing economies in Africa and the Global South. (en.wikipedia.org)
These conferences reflect Africa’s proactive stance in embracing the circular economy, fostering collaboration, and implementing sustainable practices to drive economic growth while preserving the environment.
