In the bustling streets of Abidjan, capital city of Cote d’Ivoire, a remarkable ecosystem thrives. Here, self-taught mechanics and artisans have ingeniously crafted an informal circular economy that not only sustains hundreds of families but also showcases the transformative power of sustainable practices.
Recently, the Africa Circular Economy Facility’s (ACEF) Oversight Committee embarked on a journey to witness firsthand the dynamic impact of this circular economy in action. ACEF, spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is a multi-donor trust fund dedicated to fostering Africa’s transformation through embracing the circular economy as a catalyst for inclusive and green growth.
Picture this: In Adjamé – one of Abidjan’s vibrant districts – discarded electronics find new life in the hands of individuals who dismantle and repurpose them daily. These resourceful residents have turned what many consider waste into valuable commodities, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports not just livelihoods but entire communities.
Insights from Evariste Aohoui
Renowned director of Electronic Waste Africa, Evariste Aohoui underscores the significance of experiential learning within these communities. He emphasizes how collaboration among community members in repairing or building items from recycled materials defines their shared experience. However, he cautions that without adequate skills and safety measures, such activities could pose health risks.
Growing E-Waste Challenges
Côte d’Ivoire grapples with a significant e-waste burden, generating around 30,000 tons annually. Shockingly, most of this e-waste – approximately 56% – stems from development aid donations that arrive as discarded items. The informal management of 95% of this e-waste by about 8,000 workers raises grave concerns about environmental pollution and associated health risks for millions in affected areas.
It is against this backdrop that ACEF emerges as a beacon of hope. By empowering young Africans with opportunities within the circular economy realm, ACEF aligns its objectives with projections suggesting that embracing circularity could generate up to 11 million jobs across Africa and unlock access to the lucrative $500 billion global circular market.
ACEF’s Multi-faceted Approach
ACEF adopts a strategic three-pillar approach aimed at supporting governments, regional structures, and businesses to embrace sustainable practices conducive to circularity:
1. **Policy Advocacy**: Initiatives like National Circular Economy Roadmap projects in various African countries strive to lay down robust policies promoting sustainable resource management.
2. **Business Development**: Through programs like AfriCircular Innovators Programme supporting MSMEs in cities like Abidjan and Accra through funding and capacity-building initiatives.
3. **Advocacy & Knowledge Exchange**: Partnering with organizations like African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) to advocate for harmonized standards and promote knowledge sharing across sectors.
The success stories are tangible: Jacqueline Djiré expanding her business through transforming cashew apples into valuable products; Adolphe Monney scaling up his electronics refurbishment operations; Justin Kouassi increasing organic fertilizer production from agricultural waste significantly.
Looking ahead to 2026, ACEF envisions further expansion by establishing new AfriCircular hubs while bolstering support for additional governments embarking on their circular economy roadmap journeys. This ambitious roadmap includes securing substantial funding injections to fuel growth prospects further.
As we reflect on Cote d’Ivoire’s inspiring narrative unfolding amidst challenges posed by e-waste proliferation – it becomes evident that sustainable solutions not only transform lives but hold immense potential for economic prosperity while safeguarding our planet for generations to come.
