Advancing Circular Solutions for Africa

Advancing sustainable chemicals and waste management through stronger policies, innovation, partnerships and circular economy solutions.

Overview

Across Africa, hazardous chemicals, pollution and waste continue to pose significant risks to human health, ecosystems and sustainable development. At the same time, growing demand for resources, rapid urbanization and industrialization create opportunities to accelerate the transition towards more circular, resource-efficient economies.

UNDP supports countries across Africa to strengthen the sound management of chemicals and waste, reduce pollution and advance circular economy solutions. Working through the Regional Service Centre for Africa and in partnership with UNDP Country Offices, governments, the private sector and communities, UNDP helps countries strengthen policies, build institutional and technical capacity, promote innovation and implement practical solutions that protect people and the environment.

Our approach

UNDP's Chemicals and Waste programme supports African countries across three interconnected areas:

Sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste

UNDP helps countries strengthen the management of hazardous chemicals throughout their life cycle by improving policies, regulatory systems and technical capacity. The programme supports the phase-out of hazardous substances such as mercury, persistent organic pollutants and ozone-depleting substances, while promoting safer alternatives and environmentally sound waste management. It also works with governments, communities and the private sector to reduce pollution, protect ecosystems and improve public health.

Sustainable cooling and energy efficiency

Through implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, UNDP supports countries in transitioning to climate-friendly and energy-efficient cooling technologies. This includes strengthening national institutions, supporting policy reforms, building technical capacity and promoting alternatives that protect both the ozone layer and the climate while improving access to sustainable cooling solutions.

Circular economy and plastics

UNDP supports countries in reducing waste and plastic pollution by advancing circular economy approaches that promote sustainable production and consumption. The programme works with governments, businesses and communities to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, improve waste management systems, foster innovation, support inclusive value chains and promote regional cooperation. These efforts contribute to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while creating green jobs and supporting sustainable economic development.

Regional partnerships

Many of today's chemicals, waste and pollution challenges extend beyond national borders. UNDP works with regional institutions, development partners and the private sector to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and scale innovative solutions across Africa.

This includes supporting continental initiatives that advance circular economy policies, regional value chains and sustainable production and consumption. Through partnerships such as the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), UNDP contributes technical expertise and supports countries in translating circular economy policies into practical action.

How we deliver

UNDP combines policy advice, technical expertise and partnerships to help countries move from strategy to implementation.

Across Africa, the programme supports:

  • Development of national policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks
  • Institutional strengthening and technical capacity development
  • Demonstration and scale-up of innovative technologies and business models
  • Sustainable financing and investment for circular economy and pollution reduction
  • Knowledge sharing and South-South cooperation
  • Public-private partnerships and private sector engagement
  • Community participation and awareness raising
  • Regional collaboration to strengthen markets, value chains and cross-border solutions.

2025 ACEA annual meeting

Event

2025 annual meeting of the Africa Circular Economy Alliance

2025 ACEA annual meeting

2026 ACEA Annual Meeting

Event

2026 annual meeting of the Africa Circular Economy Alliance

2026 ACEA Annual Meeting