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A review of circular economy applications and challenges in African plastic waste management
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Researchers systematically reviewed circular economy innovations in African plastic waste management, finding that entrepreneurs primarily adopt downcycling models that create green employment but face high upfront costs and limited access to credit, concluding that specialized green finance and technical training are needed to enable higher-value material recovery at scale.
Plastic waste presents a critical environmental challenge in Africa. This systematic review evaluates business model types, environmental and socio-economic benefits, and implementation challenges associated with circular economy innovations adopted by African entrepreneurs to mitigate pollution. The search strategy systematically combined indexed databases including Web of Science and ScienceDirect with Google Scholar and grey literature via organizational websites to mitigate geographic and publication bias. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis and categorized by: (1) plastic waste business models, (2) environmental benefits, (3) socio-economic outcomes, and (4) implementation challenges. Results indicate that African entrepreneurs primarily adopt downcycling business models, which effectively divert waste and create significant green employment. However, limitations in current material recovery systems persist despite these benefits. Entrepreneurs face high upfront costs and socio-cultural biases that restrict access to formal credit and advanced processing technologies. Given that the circular economy is a socio-economic necessity for Africa, policy interventions should prioritize technical training and specialized green finance to de-risk high-value technologies, dismantle social barriers, and ensure the long-term viability of green start-ups.
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This review examines the barriers preventing plastic waste valorisation in Africa and analyses why policy interventions have not yet led to substantial value creation and capture within low-income country business ecosystems. The authors propose policy frameworks targeted at stimulating circular economy approaches to plastic waste that account for the specific economic and institutional contexts of African markets.
Introduction
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This book chapter introduces the concept of a circular plastic economy for sub-Saharan Africa, arguing that recycling-focused solutions need to be adapted to local infrastructure and waste management realities. Developing effective plastic waste management in this region is critical to reducing the ocean plastic pollution that Africa contributes.
Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya
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Researchers applied a Circular Economic Value methodology to Kenya's plastic waste management system and found a low circularity score of 32.72%, reflecting significant linear deficiencies in the country's material flows. The study proposed a holistic Business Model Canvas solution to improve sustainability, arguing that developing nations should focus on managing surplus material flows rather than reducing consumption.
Digital Innovations for a Circular Plastic Economy in Africa
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This paper is not about microplastics; it is a book examining digital innovations and circular economy approaches to plastic waste management in sub-Saharan Africa.
Digitally enabled business models for a circular plastic economy in Africa
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Researchers explored how digital technologies are enabling circular economy business models for plastic waste management across African retailing and distribution systems. Drawing on focus group discussions and interviews with frontline organizations, the study examined the impact of digital innovations on plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling. The findings highlight how digital tools can complement ecological goals by creating economic incentives for managing plastic waste in developing economies.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.