2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Across Africa, circular economy initiatives are gaining momentum. Yet progress remains fragmented, limiting scale and regional impact.
The 2025 ACEA Annual Meeting aims to addresss this gap by uniting governments, regional bodies, and partners to align policies, harmonize frameworks, and forge a shared continental vision. Through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the meeting aims to transform dispersed efforts into coordinated action, unlocking regional markets, fostering investment, and embedding circularity into Africa’s industrial and economic transformation.
Media immersion in circular economy - 13 OCTOBER 2025
Africa’s shift to circular economy is accelerating, from policies and enterprises to a continent-wide action plan under the African Union. Yet this progress remains largely invisible to the wider public. The ACEA Media Immersion bridges that gap by equipping a first cohort of journalists from across Africa with the tools, exposure, and networks to tell human-centered stories of circular transformation. Through training, mentorship, and field immersion, the initiative aims to build a lasting community of reporters who can translate Africa’s circular transition into narratives that inform citizens, attract investors, and amplify the continent’s voice in global sustainability debates.
Global trends & LESSONS
The session explored circular economy principles and global trends, highlighting how Africa can leapfrog traditional models and attract capital through a clear, compelling narrative.
DAY 1 - 14 October 2025
High-level opening and strategic context setting - Set the political and strategic direction, align with continental priorities (AU CEAP), and showcase Africa’s progress
Session 3: Pitches by Thematic Partners
Thematic Showcases: CE opportunities within sectors, challenges, and value for regional integration
Session 1: Presentations
State of Play: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges in Africa’s Circular Economy Landscape (evolution of the 5 Big Bets)
Session 2: Presentation & Panel Discussion
Pathways for regional integration for the CE in Africa: Aligning national, regional and continental initiatives for coherence along the AUC CEAP
ARSO
AfCFTA
EAC
IOC
Mauritius
Session 4: Thematic Deepdives
Group Discussions with country members on scale-up opportunities and role of national and regional frameworks)
TRACK A: Plastics & Packaging
TRACK C: Electronics
TRACK B: Built Environment
TRACK D: Textiles & Fashion
DAY 2- 15 OCTOBER 2025
Technical and thematic deep dives - Address key technical gaps, policy harmonization needs, and investment bottlenecks; generate actionable recommendations.
Session 5: Fireside chat
Perspectives on the future of CE financing in Africa
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African Development Bank, European Union, UNEP FI, PAGE
The fireside chat explored how financial and development institutions are investing in Africa’s circular economy, where, at what scale and with what lessons learned.
Speakers reflected on the evolving financing landscape for circular economy, examining whether structural shifts are needed to mobilize additional ressources to support Africa's circular transition. Discussions concluded with each institution outlining its forward advice to accelerate circular transformation across the continent.
Session 6: Panel discussion ​
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Addis Abeba municipality, Côte d'Ivoire (ECOWAS Member state) , Ethiopia (EAC Member state) , Mauritius (IOC member state), South Africa (SADC Member state)
This session brought together countries to share best practices, flagship initiatives, and renewed commitments toward nationally owned and inclusive circular economy development. Discussions focused on how governments align different ministries and stakeholders and catalyze innovation, ensuring coherence, scale, and sustained transformation.
Launch of the Plastics EPR case study
Launch of the Plastics EPR Case Study developed by UNDP-GEF Islands Indian Ocean Project and Government of Seychelles
Workshop on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
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UNEP
This session provided an introduction to the Life Cycle Initiative and its relevance to circular economy policymaking, emphasizing how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supports evidence-based decisions and sustainable policy design.
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Participants then engaged in an interactive group exercise, “LCA in Your Policy Toolbox,” to explore how LCA principles can be integrated into their national contexts.
DAY 3- 16 OCTOBER 2025
ACEA strategic and governance meetings, CE field trip
Annual meeting Key takeaways and action plan
Member countries and strategic partners emphasized the growing momentum for circular economy action across Africa, calling for stronger coordination, clearer governance, and tangible results. Discussions highlighted the need to move from planning to implementation, strengthen regional integration, and align efforts under the AU Circular Economy Action Plan.
Stakeholders also underscored the importance of scaling investable projects, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that circularity becomes a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
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Welcome of new ACEA Member countries and partners
The session also marked the welcoming of the 5 newest member countries- Kenya, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, and the Democratic Republic of Congo- alongside UNECA as a new strategic partner, further strengthening the Alliance’s continental reach and collaboration.
ACEA Secretariat Planning Session - 2026 Action Plan
Participants provided strategic recommendations to the ACEA Secretariat on translating the meeting’s takeaways into action.
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