In the bustling streets of Abidjan, the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire, a unique phenomenon is unfolding – a circular economy created by self-taught mechanics and artisans. These individuals have found a way to repurpose discarded resources, providing livelihoods to numerous families in the process.
The Birth of a Circular Economy
The Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), overseen by the African Development Bank (AfDB), recently embarked on a journey to explore this informal economy that is supporting communities across Abidjan. The ACEF aims to promote green growth strategies through the adoption of circular practices in Africa.
Exploring Sustainable Practices
During their visit to Adjamé and Marcory Anoumabo, members of the ACEF committee witnessed firsthand how residents are valuing and repurposing resources like discarded electronics. This practice not only sustains livelihoods but also fosters a sense of community collaboration as individuals work together on repairing or building items from recycled materials.
Evariste Aohoui, director of Electronic Waste Africa, emphasized the importance of proper skills and practices in handling e-waste. He highlighted that without adequate precautions, such work can pose health risks while also contributing to environmental pollution.
The Impact of E-Waste
Côte d’Ivoire generates a significant amount of e-waste annually, with a large portion coming from aid donations that end up as waste. The management of this e-waste by informal workers poses health hazards and environmental risks for millions in the form of polluted water, air, and soil.
The statistics underscore the urgency to accelerate Africa’s transition towards a circular economy model that prioritizes sustainability and responsible resource management.
Empowering Youth Through Circular Business
ACEF’s initiatives aim at creating business opportunities within the circular economy for young Africans. By supporting small enterprises through programs like AfriCircular Innovators Programme, ACEF seeks to unlock job creation potential while simultaneously tapping into the global market for circular solutions.
Jacqueline Djiré from Société de Production et de Distribution-CI shared how support from such programs helped expand her business operations. Similarly, Adolphe Monney and Justin Kouassi expressed their plans for business expansion and product diversification thanks to grants received through these initiatives.
Promoting Advocacy and Knowledge Exchange
In addition to supporting businesses, ACEF collaborates with governments and regional bodies to create conducive policies for circularity. The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) plays a crucial role in advocating for harmonized standards in areas like recycled plastics while promoting knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Fostering Growth Towards Circularity
Looking ahead, ACEF plans to establish more AfriCircular hubs and assist additional governments in developing circular economy roadmaps. By 2026, they aim to secure further funding to drive Africa’s transition towards sustainability through systemic changes rooted in local communities.
As highlighted by AfDB, embracing environmentally conscious practices could not only boost Africa’s GDP but also lead to increased job opportunities while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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