LocationsUNDP joins the African Union and Partners to launch the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa
July 18, 2025
Nairobi, 17 July 2025– The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined the African Union Commission (AUC), the European Union (EU) and a coalition of strategic partners in launching the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa 2024–2034. The plan aims to support Africa’s shift toward a circular economy that promotes green growth, resource efficiency and inclusive development.
The CEAP, developed under the leadership of the AUC with co-funding from the EU and the technical assistance from Trinomics and the African Circular Economy Network Foundation (ACEN Foundation), provides a strategic framework to address the continent’s pressing sustainability challenges. Key partners in the development of the Action Plan included the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Expert Working Group on Circular Economy.
It proposes a shift away from the linear "take-make-dispose" model toward a regenerative approach that creates jobs, reduces waste and strengthens resilience. It targets eight () priority sectors including water, waste, energy and agriculture, and four cross-cutting enablers: inclusivity, trade, education and finance. It promotes sustainable growth, local value creation and environmental resilience through coordinated action by the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States.
The Continental Circular Economy Action Plan marks a pivotal step in Africa’s journey toward a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. It reflects our collective commitment to transforming our economies, empowering communities and safeguarding our environment through circular innovation. We warmly invite all partners, governments, private sector, civil society and development agencies, to join us in turning this vision into action.H.E. Mr. Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner in charge of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.
During the launch, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to providing targeted technical assistance, fostering innovation and mobilizing climate and environmental finance to support the implementation of the CEAP and help accelerate Africa’s transition to a circular economy.
By joining forces, we can align policy, finance and innovation to turn circular ambitions into systemic change across the continentDr. Mathias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.
With a presence in 46 sub-Saharan countries, UNDP brings extensive expertise in policy coherence, development programming, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement and coordination. Through flagship initiatives such as the Climate Promise, Nature Pledge and Zero Waste programmes, UNDP will continue to support African governments in integrating circular economy priorities into key national development plans.
The launch event, held in Nairobi on the margins of the 2025 Africa Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN), brought together ministers, policymakers, private sector leaders and civil society.
UNDP’s contribution reflects its role in advancing the circular and inclusive economies in line with the Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/ http://www.undp.org/africa or follow @UNDP and @UNDPAfrica on social media.
For all enquiries, please contact:
Ayda Labassi, Digital Communications Specialist, UNDP Africa : ayda.labassi@undp.org
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