In 2022, WCEF shifted its focus to Africa, for the first time since its inception in 2017. Held in Kigali, Rwanda, known as the green hub of the continent, WCEF2022 brought together 4,167 attendees from 149 countries. The central theme addressed was Africa’s role in advancing the global circular economy.
Due to ACEN’s large network of circular economy experts and extensive knowledge on circular economy on the continent, ACEN was chosen to co-host WCEF2022 together with Sitra, the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the Rwandan Government.
ACEN organised five African Studios, which screened and contextualised the main programme to 574 in person participants in Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia. Watch the Studio Videos here.
ACEN organised five online workshops themed with the African Circular Economy Alliance’s (ACEA) five big bets: food, packaging, electronics, fashion and textiles, and the built environment. Watch the workshops recordings here.
Some highlights of the event included:
- The Global Circular Economy Roadmap Initiative was launched, lead by Chatham House with international partners. The initiative supports policy exchanges, knowledge sharing and creates a common vision for an inclusive circular economy.
- The Rwanda Circular Economy Roadmap and Action Plan was strengthened with new partners and a 211-million-dollar funding programme. The plan aims for a carbon-neutral Rwanda by 2050 and focuses primarily on waste, construction, agriculture and water.
- Circular South Africa (CSA) was launched at the South African Studio. CSA is a digital platform to facilitate co-operation, co-ordination and networking between businesses, government, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations involved in the circular economy.
- The host for Circular Economy Hotspot 2024 was announced. The annual event will be hosted for the first time in South Africa showcasing circular activities and sharing the country’s best business practices, policies and approaches.
- The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) Zambian Chapter was formed in the lead up to the event to facilitate the Zambian Studio that brought together local experts, entrepreneurs and public groups to share experiences and visions.
- The Government of Chad submitted a request to join the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA).
Find out more by reading the WCEF2022 summary report.
