Accelerator Day of the World Circular Economy Forum 2022 started

On Day 3 of the World Circular Economy Forum, Accelerator Sessions are on stage. These are outcome-oriented events that will bridge WCEF2022 with the daily work needed for a circular transition. A number of EU supported Accelerator Session are hosted by the EU with Implementing partners. Select the session of your interest and register on the session pages:  

Circular policies without borders(link is external) (9:15 CET)

Increasing the circularity of fashion(link is external) (11:15 CET)

EU speakers are part of the following panels:

Enhancing circularity in Africa(link is external) (10 CET)

Network governance – What role for the circular transition brokers?(link is external) (13:30 CET)

Locally led solutions to accelerate circularity within businesses(link is external) (14:00 CET)

Catalysing policy change for a circular economic transition through local enterprises in East Africa(link is external) (14:00 CET)

A global road map for an inclusive circular economy – from concept to action(link is external) (15:15 CET)

Supporting the Circular Economy through International Cooperation (13:00)(link is external)

The World Circular Economy Forum started earlier with a trailblazer session. The World Circular Economy Forum 2022 brings together forward-looking thinkers and doers and presents the game-changers in the circular economy for the first time in Africa.

After opening remarks from the Rwandan Minister of Environment, the President of the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, International Affairs Director of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Japanese Vice Minister of Environment, the session informed on recent research on the circular economy transition by Footprint Africa. The research includes insights into how to create the right conditions for circular businesses to thrive and achieve their potential across the continent. Deborah Ohui Nartey, Research Analyst of Footprints Africa, highlighted enablers for the transition to a circular economy such as collaboration. According to the research, Government and Policy support is a key enabler. Research and analysis as well as online platforms are equally important. As biggest barriers, Deborah noted access to finance, a lack of an enabling environment and missing advanced machinery.

During the Trailblazer Session, Matthias Reusing, Counselor - European Green Deal, Rural Development, Trade to the Delegation of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA, informed the audience on future plans of the EU to support the transition to Circular Economy in Eastern and Southern Africa. Until 2024, the EU with partners will elaborate an intervention based on the principles of South-South Cooperation/Twinning & Peer-to-Peer Learning, the link to Global Gateway Europe – Africa Investment Package and the integration of Green & Digital Transformation.