European Commission joins forces with Africa for circular economy

26 Feb '22

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

The European Commission for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries took part in an event on circular economy with African representatives of the African Union and of the African Circular Economy Alliance. This virtual event allowed a frank discussion on the opportunities as well as the challenges in turning EU and African economies more circular.

The programme gathered representatives of businesses from EU and Africa applying circular economy business models related notably to e-waste management and recycling industries. The event highlighted the opportunities offered by the circular economy transition in the EU and in Africa and the willingness of EU and African green companies and entrepreneurs to increase cooperation.

The contribution of emerging economies to key environmental challenges and their potential for economic growth make them key partners in promoting the transition to a circular economy, the European Commission said in a press release.

“There is a growing recognition both in the EU and in Africa of the need to increase the circularity of our economies in order to decouple growth and resource use. For this to happen, we need our respective businesses in the EU and Africa to close this loop and join forces. Events like these contribute to this, increasing EU cooperation with the African Union and the African Circular Economy Alliance on circular economy. We need to work jointly to turn today's challenges into opportunities and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals,” European commissioner Virginius Sinkevicius said.

The participants in the Europe Africa Business Forum, titled “Building Stronger Value Chains for Sustainable Growth and Decent Jobs” also had opportunities during the week to participate in other events related to the Circular Economy transition in the textile and agri-food value chains notably. They also could take part in matchmaking events to discuss between European and African counterparts how to turn circular principles into green business opportunities in Europe and Africa.

The EU and the African Union represented in this event by African Union Commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment Josefa Sacko shared an interest in strengthening their cooperation on environmental matters.

Both the European Commission and African partners will consider ways to follow up on the results of this event through further exchanges of experiences and good practices at a technical level on policies related to the circular economy, the efficient use of resources, and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, notably through the work of the African Circular Economy Alliance.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

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