The AfriCircular Innovators Programme, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), has selected 30 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to receive financial and technical support aimed at scaling up circular economy initiatives across Africa. The inaugural cohort, comprising businesses from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Rwanda, was onboarded during an online event on August 9.
Funded by the AfDB’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) and implemented in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), the AfriCircular Innovators Programme seeks to foster innovative circular economy solutions that contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent. The programme acknowledges the significant role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 80 percent of Africa’s businesses, and recognizes the potential of the circular economy to generate 11 million jobs in Africa.
The 30 selected enterprises will receive assistance to expand their circular economy projects in five key sectors identified by the ACEA for their high potential in job creation and economic growth. These sectors include packaging, food systems, the built environment, electronics, and fashion and textiles.
Notable among the beneficiaries is Ndintambwe Feeds Limited, a Rwandan company that produces affordable animal feeds using insects and maggots as sustainable alternatives to soybean and fishmeal. Jean-Bosco Nshutiyimana, the founder of Ndintambwe Feeds, highlighted the challenges his company faces, including limited financial capacity and a lack of necessary skills to sustain a profitable recycling business without environmental harm.
Another beneficiary, Siboré Luxury Hair, represented by Koumbem Emilienne, noted that participation in the AfriCircular Innovators Programme aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Emilienne emphasized that the programme will provide crucial expertise and resources to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency, ultimately strengthening their production capacity and positive environmental impact.
The AfriCircular Innovators Programme is in line with the AfDB’s Jobs for Youth in Africa (JfYA) Strategy, which aims to harness the continent’s growing youth population for economic growth. With Africa’s youth population expected to double to over 830 million by 2050, addressing high unemployment and underemployment is essential. The ACEF, as the sole Multi-Donor Trust Fund dedicated to mainstreaming the circular economy in Africa, strategically finances initiatives that drive inclusive and green growth, improve resource efficiency, foster innovation, and create sustainable job opportunities.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
