As Africa redefines its growth trajectory through sustainability and innovation, Ethiopia’s emerging circular economy is proving that the continent can move beyond being labeled a “dumping ground” for the world’s waste and instead become a hub of green enterprise and resource regeneration.
At the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) Annual Conference held at the UNDP Regional Service Centre in Addis Ababa, innovators, policymakers, and development experts showcased how Africa’s youth and enterprises are turning waste into wealth, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12, which emphasises responsible consumption and production.
Ethiopia’s Policy Push Toward Circularity
Ethiopia stands out for its deliberate policy alignment that encourages recycling, eco-innovation, and sustainable manufacturing. The government has introduced robust e-waste management guidelines, tax incentives for green businesses, and investment frameworks supporting eco-friendly production.
“These policies are creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive while protecting the environment,” said Davina Milenge Uwelle, Chief Program Coordinator at the African Development Bank (AfDB). “Through the African Circular Economy Facility, we support countries like Ethiopia and Cameroon to design circular economy roadmaps, foster innovation, and build resilient green infrastructure.”
According to Milenge, the goal is to harmonize national efforts across the continent.
“Circular economy isn’t new to Africa, it’s part of our traditional systems of reuse and regeneration,” she noted. “What we need now is scale, finance, and stronger partnerships.”
Innovations Changing Africa’s Waste Narrative
In a region often described as the final destination for European waste, Ethiopia’s youth-led innovations are reshaping that story. From refurbishing solar systems to extracting oils from coffee and fruit waste, enterprises are proving that circularity is not just an environmental concept but it’s a new economic model.
At Inter Ethiopia, young engineers collect discarded batteries and solar units, repair them, and rebuild larger energy storage systems.
“We’ve refurbished more than 3,000 solar home systems, selling them at 80% less than new imports,” explained Aron Nebiyu, Operations Manager. “It’s affordable energy for rural communities and a cleaner planet for everyone.”
Meanwhile, startups like GreenDrop are transforming organic waste from coffee husks and lemon peels, into essential oils used in cosmetics. These products are locally made, eco-friendly, and directly support Ethiopia’s transition to sustainable production.
Such enterprises embody SDG 12, promoting efficient use of natural resources and reducing pollution while creating dignified green jobs.
Cameroon’s Circular Roadmap: Time to Move from Policy to Action
Cameroon, which already has a circular economy roadmap developed with AfDB support, stands at a crucial turning point. The country faces mounting waste challenges from plastic pollution in Douala to unmanaged e-waste in Yaounde but also holds enormous potential for green innovation.
Experts say Cameroon can learn from Ethiopia’s policy-backed approach that combines public awareness, youth empowerment, and enterprise incubation.
“Africa’s youth population is growing fast. We need to target green jobs and circular practices so we can recycle, regenerate, and reuse our resources,” said Hermela Glegziabhher, Project Coordinator Reach For Change, and an Ethiopian sustainability advocate.
By investing in eco-startups, community-based recycling, and policy enforcement, Cameroon could transform its waste crisis into a new industrial frontier reducing imports, conserving resources, and advancing its climate goals.
Building an African Voice for Circular Growth
The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), established in 2017 by Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa now counts 21 member countries, aiming to drive policy harmonization, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation.
“The Alliance provides a unified African voice,” said Falmata Bukar-Kolo, ACEA Co-chair and Deputy Director at Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment. “We must strengthen value chains, empower youth, and ensure no one is left behind in this transition.”
From Linear to Circular: The New Growth Agenda
For Cameroon and other African nations, the message from Addis Ababa is clear: the future of development lies in closing the loop between production and consumption.
Ethiopia’s experience shows that when policy, innovation, and public awareness align, circularity becomes more than an environmental goal, it becomes a pathway to industrial competitiveness, youth employment, and sustainable prosperity.
“When people start seeing waste as wealth,” Hermela concluded, “that’s when real transformation begins.”
