Africans reuse, repair, recycle and resell waste: What's needed to build on the circular economy basics

In many African cities, broken appliances and clothes are not immediately discarded; instead, they undergo repair and resale, or are dismantled for spare parts and metal extraction. Leftover crop materials are converted into animal feed, compost, cooking fuel, or biogas. These actions are primarily driven by necessity, as incomes are limited and replacement expenses can be prohibitive.

In some instances, recycling occurs due to inadequate waste collection systems. These are instances of a circular economy, where products and materials remain in use for as long as possible, contrasting with a linear system of resource extraction, product creation, and disposal. Specialists in circular economy practices examine how recycling and repair activities are already integral to daily economic operations across Africa.

The objective is to identify ways for policymakers to expand these initiatives. Despite progress, circular economy practices are not uniformly implemented. Thirty-four African nations have implemented some form of plastic bag bans. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco have established e-waste recycling facilities and waste-to-energy projects.

Kenya has enacted regulations that compel manufacturers to take responsibility for their products post-consumer use. Conversely, Somalia, Sudan, and Congo still rely heavily on traditional production, use, and disposal models. Circular economy discussions among African governments, businesses, development agencies, and international organizations often suggest a need to adopt imported formal waste management systems and advanced recycling technologies.

However, it's evident that local businesses and communities are already actively participating in circular practices, including repairing, reusing, reselling, sharing, recovering materials, and converting organic waste into productive resources. The priority is not to replace these practices but to recognize, enhance, and scale them.

This requires providing local businesses and communities with necessary finance, infrastructure, skills, and supportive policies. Research reveals that several African countries have implemented policies and initiatives supporting aspects of circular economy. For example, Rwanda has addressed plastic pollution and set up electronic waste processing facilities.

South Africa has introduced producer responsibility rules. Kenya has implemented significant measures against single-use plastic bags. In Ghana, the National Plastic Action Partnership unites government, business, and civil society. Nigeria is developing a national circular economy roadmap, with groups like Wecyclers connecting informal collectors to recycling markets.

However, merely having a policy on paper does not guarantee a functional system. Waste collection remains inadequate in many African cities, and recycling facilities are scarce. Local authorities often lack the resources, equipment, and technical expertise to enforce regulations. Political instability and inconsistent electricity supplies can hinder long-term investment in circular economy projects.

To advance toward a circular economy, Africa must first focus on the fundamentals: efficient waste collection, proper sorting, and safe disposal. Advanced technologies may not be effective if waste is not collected properly or is contaminated. The African Union's Continental Circular Economy Action Plan offers valuable insights but its success hinges on proper implementation at the local level.

Improving everyday waste services should precede investments in high-tech solutions. Informal workers, including reclaimers, repairers, and secondhand traders, play a crucial role in Africa's circular economy. They need training, better working conditions, facilities, fair compensation, and social protection. Integrating these workers into formal circular economy systems, while safeguarding their livelihoods, could foster a more inclusive and effective circular economy.

Evaluating the success of circular economy policies should extend beyond waste reduction. Policymakers must ensure that people gain benefits from the circular economy, such as affordable recovered products and viable local recycling enterprises. Africa's circular economy will flourish if governments, businesses, communities, researchers, and informal workers collaborate.

The groundwork for a circular economy is already in place, with African cultures valuing repairing and reusing goods, and entrepreneurs turning discarded materials into valuable resources. The task now is to support these efforts without disrupting the existing social and economic systems.