COMESA, EU sign €40 million deal to promote circular economy in East, Southern Africa

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has signed a €40 million financing agreement with the European Union (EU) to promote the transition from a linear to a circular economy among its member states.

The SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA) programme aims to foster sustainable business models, attract impact investments and create jobs for the future, according to COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe.

She described the initiative as a promising tool to address the climate crisis, promote economic diversification, reduce waste, preserve resources and create new business opportunities and decent employment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka on Friday, Kapwepwe said the programme was designed to support countries in Eastern and Southern Africa in transitioning to a circular economy.

This would be achieved by creating an enabling environment for investment in circular business models and improving access to the necessary skills and finance.

“In COMESA, we have increasingly engaged in initiatives related to the circular economy, aligning with EU and global sustainability goals and regional development strategies,” she said.

Kapwepwe further noted that COMESA’s approach to the circular economy focuses on promoting sustainable development practices that minimize waste, enhance resource efficiency, and encourage recycling and reuse across various sectors.

“The commitment of our Member States, along with the needed development support, provides a solid foundation for us to further advance circularity practices in the region. We look forward to being part of this EU-supported initiative for the well-being of our region and the world at large,” she added.

EU Ambassador, Karolina Stasiak, also spoke at the event, stating that the investment aimed to support an inclusive transition to a circular economy by promoting green and circular business models.

She said that the initiative would help reverse environmental degradation, recover natural capital, improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and pollution and create economic opportunities and jobs for the future.

Stasiak highlighted that the EU-COMESA partnership reflected a shared priority and commitment to climate action, positioning the region as a leader in innovative and sustainable economic practices in Africa.

“The world is changing rapidly, with new global challenges and opportunities constantly emerging. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and resulting market disruptions require us to adapt, innovate, and partner with our allies,” Stasiak said, adding “Today, we have a good example of such innovation and adaptation with the signing of the financing agreement for the SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa programme.”

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