The Opportunity in Africa With Waste and The Circular Economy

Discover Africa's untapped potential in waste management and the circular economy. Learn how waste could be turned into wealth and drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.

POLITICS & ECONOMIC INSIGHTSFEATURED ON HOMEPAGE

Tanya Kabuya

1/17/20258 min read

In the past few years, I’ve become deeply focused on the circular economy—especially how it applies to Africa.

But this isn’t just some passing interest or academic curiosity. This has become a personal mission, one that’s shaping the way I think about development, economic opportunities, and the future of this continent.

In fact, it’s one of the main reasons I’m taking myself on an African tour: to get on the ground, see the real issues, and understand how the circular economy could fundamentally improve daily life here.

So, what exactly is the circular economy, and why does it matter for Africa?

It’s a model of production and consumption that’s radically different from the “take, make, waste” approach that dominates most of the world’s economies.

The circular economy emphasizes keeping resources in use for as long as possible—through recycling, reusing, repairing, and remanufacturing—so that nothing truly goes to waste.

Africa, with all its challenges and opportunities, is the perfect place for this approach.

And the deeper I dive into this topic, the clearer it becomes: the circular economy could unlock incredible economic value across the continent, not just in terms of reducing waste but by creating jobs, new industries, and healthier ecosystems.

But it all starts with understanding the problem, why it exists, and how we can use this approach to make life better for everyday Africans.

Why Africa Needs the Circular Economy

Africa is at a crossroads. On one hand, many countries are experiencing rapid economic growth.

On the other, this growth often comes at a high cost—depleting natural resources, generating unmanageable waste, and relying heavily on imports for goods that could be produced locally. This is where the circular economy steps in.

It offers a smarter, more sustainable way to grow, one that doesn’t sacrifice the environment or communities for short-term gains.

Let’s take the issue of waste. Many African countries struggle with waste management, but waste isn’t just a problem, it’s also a resource.

Imagine if, instead of sending it to landfills, we used it to create new products, generate energy, or provide raw materials for other industries. This could create all new industries and create the much needed employment needed for the growing young population.

There are already examples of this happening on the continent, but the scale is nowhere near what it could be.

Kinshasa alone, produces over 5000 tonnes of waste daily. The streets are filled with waste that could actually be gold.

Waste as an Opportunity

Take Ghana, for instance. The city of Accra generates thousands of tons of waste every day, much of which ends up in informal dumpsites or the ocean. But companies like Nelplast Ghana have started turning plastic waste into building materials, like bricks for construction.

Not only does this reduce pollution, but it also creates jobs and lowers the cost of building infrastructure. This is a perfect example of what the circular economy could look like in practice: taking a problem and flipping it into an opportunity.

This kind of innovation is not just possible, it’s essential for us to cultivate sane environments for African citizens. And it’s the reason why I’m so passionate about the potential for a circular economy to redefine how Africa handles its resources.

If we can find ways to turn waste into something valuable, we can create industries around that. More industries mean more jobs, and more jobs mean stronger local economies.

This is the mission my late mother had behind Raft Eco Solutions. A company with the goal to turn waste into resources and provide clean water and 24 hrs electricity for African communities without breaking the bank.

Rethinking How We Use Resources & Create Waste

Another key idea behind the circular economy is designing products and services to last longer.

Right now, too many products are made to be thrown away after a short period.

But in a circular model, the goal is to design things to be reused, repaired, or remanufactured. Think of it this way: rather than buying something new every few years, you keep it in circulation, adding value over time. This shift in thinking could have a massive impact on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and energy across Africa.

For instance, in agriculture, instead of burning crop waste (a common practice that harms the environment), it could be repurposed as organic fertilizer or bioenergy. This not only improves soil health but also helps farmers save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Similarly, cassava, a widely grown crop in Africa, could be used to produce polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics like PET. By doing this, Africa can reduce its reliance on imported plastics, cut down on environmental pollution, and create new value chains that benefit local farmers and manufacturers.

This approach aligns with global sustainability goals while driving economic growth and innovation on the continent.

Solutions like these could revolutionize the way African economies operate, making them more resilient and self-sufficient.

Why the Circular Economy Matters Now More Than Ever

You might be wondering: why now? Why is the circular economy so critical at this moment in Africa’s development? The answer lies in the pressing environmental and economic challenges facing the continent. Climate change, resource depletion, and rising inequality are all real issues. Africa is experiencing these pressures firsthand, and they are only going to intensify in the coming decades.

The circular economy offers a way to address these challenges head-on. By reducing waste and making better use of the resources we already have, we can create more sustainable economic models that are less reliant on importing expensive goods. Instead, Africa can become a hub of innovation, where waste is minimized, resources are maximized, and economic growth is inclusive.

How This Plays Out in Real Life: Solar Energy and Circular Economy

Let’s look at the renewable energy sector, another area where Africa has huge potential to leverage the circular economy. Solar energy is abundant across the continent, but the production and disposal of solar panels still follow the linear model in most cases. What if, instead of letting old solar panels go to waste, they could be refurbished and reused?

This would significantly reduce e-waste, lower the cost of access to renewable energy for communities, and extend the lifespan of critical materials like silicon and metals used in panel production. By adopting this circular approach, Africa could maximize the value of its solar infrastructure while contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient energy system.

Ultimately, this would position Africa as a global leader in sustainable energy innovation, driving economic growth while tackling pressing environmental challenges.

There are companies like SolarWorks! in Mozambique that are already adopting circular practices, by providing affordable solar home systems that can be reused and upgraded over time. This helps reduce electronic waste and makes renewable energy more accessible to low-income households.

It’s a win-win: the environment benefits, consumers get reliable energy, and local economies grow through job creation.

The Benefits of The Circular Economy for Everyday Africans

So what does all this mean for the everyday African?

It means access to better products, more affordable services, and new jobs. The circular economy isn’t just about the environment,it’s about improving lives on a very practical level.

It means farmers can improve their yields with better soil management, manufacturers can reduce costs by reusing materials, and consumers can save money by repairing or recycling products instead of buying new ones all the time.

I’m excited about the possibilities because the benefits of a circular economy don’t just trickle down—they flow directly to the people who need them most.

This is about building local economies that work for everyone, not just a select few.

For example, waste could be used to produce biogas, providing households with an affordable energy source and reducing dependency on expensive, nonrenewable fuels. Circular solutions could also create opportunities for small businesses to thrive, from repair shops to biogas suppliers.

In addition, adopting circular practices can empower communities to develop localized solutions to global problems, fostering innovation and resilience. When we transform waste into wealth, and adopt a circular economy approach, we have the abilityto redefine Africa’s economic future, making it more inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable.

Challenges We Have to Overcome

Of course, none of this is easy. There are real challenges in implementing a circular economy across Africa, and it’s important to be clear-eyed about them.

One of the biggest hurdles is infrastructure. Many countries simply don’t have the systems in place to support widespread recycling or reuse. In some areas, even basic waste collection is a challenge. Without a reliable foundation, scaling circular practices can seem like an impossible task. Investment in infrastructure such as recycling centers, collection networks, and energy-efficient transportation is critical to making the circular economy viable.

Another issue is education and awareness. Many businesses and consumers are still unfamiliar with the benefits of a circular economy or how it works in practice.

There’s a need for education—both at the policy level and in local communities—to help people understand why this matters and how they can play a role.

Policymakers must take the lead in creating a framework that supports circular practices, while campaigns and grassroots initiatives can empower citizens to actively participate.

Access to financing is another major obstacle. Transitioning to a circular economy often requires upfront investment, which can be difficult for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to secure.

Governments and development organizations need to step in with funding, incentives, and partnerships to ease the financial burden and de-risk circular innovation.

Lastly, there’s the issue of shifting mindsets. For generations, many have grown accustomed to a linear economy of take, make, and dispose. Changing behaviors—whether it’s convincing businesses to design for longevity or persuading consumers to prioritize repair over replacement—requires time, effort, and consistent messaging.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

While these challenges are significant, they also represent opportunities. By addressing infrastructure gaps, Africa can create new jobs in construction, logistics, and waste management. Education and awareness campaigns not only inform but also inspire innovation, sparking solutions tailored to local contexts.

Access to financing can catalyze collaboration between governments, private investors, and entrepreneurs, leading to scalable models that work. And perhaps most importantly, shifting mindsets is the gateway to a new culture of sustainability—one where communities see the value in their resources and recognize the power they hold in creating change.

The road ahead may be difficult, but the potential rewards—a cleaner environment, thriving economies, and empowered communities—are worth every effort. With bold leadership, creative problem-solving, and collective will, Africa can overcome these hurdles and lead the world in building a circular economy that truly works for everyone.

Conclusion

The circular economy offers Africa a powerful opportunity to redefine its future. By shifting from a linear, wasteful model to a more sustainable approach, we can unlock economic growth, create meaningful jobs, and protect our environment. For me, this isn’t just a concept—it’s a mission grounded in understanding real challenges and working toward practical solutions. As I travel across Africa, I’m focused on uncovering ways to make the circular economy a tool for improving everyday lives. Together, we have a chance to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent—one that benefits everyone.

About The Author

Tanya Kabuya is a visionary entrepreneur, international speaker, and advocate for sustainable economic growth in Africa. As the founder and CEO of a revenue enablement firm Wizz Digital and the Managing Director of Raft Eco Solutions, she is passionate about leveraging innovative strategies to drive impactful change. Tanya's work focuses on empowering African businesses, fostering the circular economy, and creating opportunities that improve lives across the continent. Through her leadership and expertise, she continues to inspire solutions that pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.