THIRTY small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Rwanda have been selected to receive financial and technical support through the AfriCircular Innovators Programme, a new initiative aimed at advancing circular economy projects across Africa. The programme, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and funded by its Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), aims to foster sustainable and inclusive growth by scaling up innovative solutions.
The inaugural cohort was introduced during an online onboarding event held on August 9. The selected enterprises represent various sectors, including packaging, food systems, the built environment, electronics, and fashion and textiles—areas identified by the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) for their potential in job creation and economic growth.
Among the selected businesses is Rwanda’s Ndintambwe Feeds Limited, which produces environmentally-friendly animal feeds using insects and maggots as alternatives to traditional soybean and fishmeal. Jean Bosco Nshutiyimana, the company’s founder, highlighted the challenges SMEs face in scaling such innovative projects, noting limited financial resources and a need for specialized skills to maintain environmental sustainability.
Another beneficiary, Siboré Luxury Hair, represented by Koumbem Fatou Emilienne, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to enhance their production processes. Emilienne emphasized that the support from the AfriCircular Innovators Programme would enable them to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen their overall production capacity, aligning with their commitment to sustainability.
The AfriCircular Innovators Programme aligns with the AfDB’s Jobs for Youth in Africa (JfYA) Strategy, which addresses the continent’s growing youth population and the need for economic opportunities. As Africa’s youth population is expected to double to over 830 million by 2050, initiatives like this are critical in addressing high unemployment rates and fostering economic growth.
The Africa Circular Economy Facility, as the only Multi-Donor Trust Fund focused on integrating circular economy practices in Africa, plays a crucial role in financing initiatives that promote resource efficiency, innovation, and sustainable job creation.
The AfriCircular Innovators Programme is set to be a transformative force in Africa’s economic landscape, driving sustainable practices and creating opportunities for the continent’s youth through the circular economy.
