The World Circular Economy Forum will, for the first time, take place on African soil in 2022

In 2022, the World Circular Economy Forum will be held on African soil for the first time, bringing together participants from all over the world to learn from the continent and the rest of the global south in order to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly global economy.

The Forum will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from December 6–8.

The World Circular Economy Forum 2022 (WCEF2022) will showcase some of the greatest circular economy solutions available worldwide and look at how African and other firms may take advantage of new opportunities and gain a competitive edge in the shift to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies. International experts, policymakers, and business leaders are anticipated to attend.

2017 saw the launch of the first Forum.

The hybrid-format event’s proceedings will be livestreamed on large screens in numerous African cities under the theme “From Africa to the World” to encourage widespread participation in the forum.

The format will allow for remote involvement in conversations concerning regional circular economy ideas and examples.

“Africa, which has the world’s youngest population, can play a significant part in the shift of the globe toward circularity. According to Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, “Rwanda is thrilled to host the World Circular Economy Forum 2022, showcasing African leadership and dedication.”

The African Circular Economy Alliance’s co-chair and founding member is Rwanda. The event will be co-hosted by the Rwandan government, the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

As a result of the take-make-waste economic paradigm, the global south is anticipated to experience some of the most severe effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. Africa is where this is especially true.

Additionally, the continent is home to a young, energetic, and entrepreneurial populace. As a result, it is seen to have the potential and motive to take the lead in advancing the circular economy model and enhancing global resilience.

Africa, a developing continent, is important in increasing circularity.

An excellent venue for showcasing innovative circular solutions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement is the WCEF2022. In order to support this transformation as part of Africa’s Agenda 2063, the African Development Bank recently launched the Africa Circular Economy Facility with its partners, the Finnish government and the Nordic Development Fund, according to Dr. Kevin Kariuki, vice president for power, energy, climate change, and green growth at the African Development Bank.

Jyrki Katainen, president of Sitra, stated: “According to Sitra’s recent study, circular economy interventions can prevent global biodiversity loss and aid in the recovery of the biosphere.

Circularity is essential to reducing strain on extracting new natural resources as well as keeping valued commodities in use.

In June 2022, a website for the World Circular Economy Forum will go live. In October 2022, the Forum’s schedule will be made available.