EAC launches platform to unlock circular economy investment

Waste generation in the region increased to 180 million tonnes in 2023 from 90 million tonnes in 2010, according to a presentation by Gift Gabriel Mbuya of the East African Business Council

Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT | East African governments and businesses have launched a regional platform to coordinate circular economy policies and help attract investment into waste management, recycling and resource-efficient industries as waste generation doubles across the region.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs in Uganda,  Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who chairs the EAC Council of Ministers, launched the Circular Economy Platform at the East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026 in Nairobi.

The platform is designed to bring governments, companies, investors, civil society, academia and other stakeholders together to develop common approaches to circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, initiatives.

The push comes as East Africa faces a growing waste-management challenge. Waste generation in the region increased to 180 million tonnes in 2023 from 90 million tonnes in 2010, according to a presentation by Gift Gabriel Mbuya of the East African Business Council.

Only about 10% of the waste is recycled, while between 40% and 60% remains uncollected, the presentation said.

The figures highlight both the scale of the environmental challenge and the potential for investment in recycling, waste collection, resource recovery and other circular economy businesses.

While EAC member states have introduced measures to improve waste management, differences in policies and implementation have created a need for greater regional coordination and standardisation.

Simon Kaheru, EABC Vice Chairperson, said the private sector was ready to support practical solutions.

“The private sector is ready to move from dialogue to action,” Kaheru said, adding that the platform could help create jobs, promote social inclusion and support more sustainable businesses.

The platform will focus on policy harmonisation, knowledge sharing, technical advice and coordination of circular economy and EPR initiatives across EAC member states.

It will provide a forum for producers, importers, brand owners, retailers, waste-management operators and informal-sector representatives, as well as governments, regulators, civil society organisations and universities.

The initiative will operate through four pillars: stakeholder policy dialogue, knowledge building and management, technical advisory services, and coordination.

It will also provide guidance on EPR frameworks, disseminate best practices and legal and practical information, and share information on potential financing mechanisms for circular economy projects.

EPR schemes generally make producers and other businesses more responsible for managing products and packaging after they enter the market, creating incentives for collection, recycling and reuse.

ESG value

Emmanuel Butare, an EABC Board Director, said resilient value chains and environmental, social and governance priorities would be central to the region’s transition.

He said the EABC ESG framework provides a foundation for addressing environmental responsibility, resource and risk management, diversity, human rights and governance.

The platform is expected to strengthen public-private dialogue while supporting regional markets, value chains, innovation and investment in resource-efficient industries.

Its inaugural members include the International Council of Business Associations (Africa Region), Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Institute of Economic Affairs CIPARD, Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), Land Africa Safaris, AtoZ Group Ltd, Bela Wine, TakaTaka ni Mali and Kagera Solutions.

The EABC has called on governments, businesses, development partners, academia and civil society to participate in the platform as East African countries seek to turn growing waste volumes into opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation.