ACEA
Sep 23, 2024
Chad has launched the development of its National Circular Economy Road Map, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable development. This initiative - supported by the African Development Bank Group's ACEF and in collaboration with ACEA - aims to scale up Chad's traditional circular practices into structured, high-impact economic opportunities.
Historically, Chad has always embraced elements of circular practices. Scrap metal has long been repurposed to fuel forges that produce essential agricultural tools. Aluminum objects are frequently handcrafted into cooking pots. In the bustling streets of large cities, individuals known locally as “GASSAS MAFI” shout, “GASSAS MAFI WA?”—“Aren't there any bottles in your house?”—as they collect durable items like bottles, flasks, and batteries to sell to larger collectors. Today, Ndjamena boasts scrap metal and plastic processing plants, formalizing these age-old practices. Young people also collect plastics, known as “LEDA,” and transform them into construction materials like slabs, bricks, and paving stones.
Building on these traditional practices, the Government of Chad, with the support of the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) and in collaboration with the Alliance, has launched the development of the National Circular Economy Road Map. This initiative marks a critical step in unlocking the circular economy's transformative potential for Chad.
“Supporting the circular economy as a development strategy is a significant opportunity. It will enable Chad to grow its economy without exceeding planetary boundaries in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The upcoming road map will not only support the development of various sectors but also attract substantial financial support, contributing to the country’s ambitious objectives outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution”
Mr. Abakar Rozzi Teguil, Chad’s Minister of Tourism Development, representing the Minister of the Environment, Fishing, and Sustainable Development at the launch ceremony
Chad joins Benin, Ethiopia, and Uganda in launching the development of its circular economy roadmap. Cameroon will be the final country to officially embark on this journey, making a total of five countries supported through the National Circular Economy Roadmap project.
Crafted inclusively with governmental entities, the private sector and the civil society, the road map aims to position the circular economy as a key driver of Chad's green growth. The plan aligns investments with sustainable development goals and provides the Chadian government with practical tools for transitioning to circularity. This initiative harmonizes with policies promoting sustainability and climate change mitigation and establishes a robust governance framework.
The National Circular Economy Road Map will enable the country to have a plan to enhance agricultural production, improve food security and generate new job opportunities for young people. It will also streamline the transition to a circular economy, transforming latent circular practices into structured economic ventures.
“Circular practices already exist in Chad, but they are currently under-exploited. The road map will transform these opportunities into reality. The African Development Bank’s National Circular Economy Roadmap (NCER) project equips African countries to leverage the transformative potential of the circular economy by proposing practical measures and actions”
Mr. Claude N’Kodia, African Development Bank’s Acting Country Manager for Chad
Identified key sectors to unlock the circular economy potential in Chad are:
waste management
plastics
construction
agri-food
water
energy
By embracing circularity, Chad stands to revitalize its economic landscape and foster sustainable development and innovation. The National Circular Economy Road Map is more than a strategic document; it is an enabler that will guide Chad towards a greener, more inclusive future.