The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) applauds the importance of the work of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in promoting the circular economy as a driver of industrial transformation, value addition, and sustainable economic growth in Eastern and Southern Africa. Circularity is a source of many opportunities including those for business development and employment.
ECA participated in the Second COMESA Green Industry Connect Meeting at the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition held under the theme “Inclusive Industrialisation and Investment: Advancing Circular Value Chains in COMESA” in Harare, Zimbabwe. The meeting brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, financiers, development partners, and innovators to explore opportunities to advance circular business models and strengthen value chains in key sectors, including leather, textiles, plastics, and electronic waste. Regional stakeholders discussed practical strategies for strengthening circular production systems, attracting investment, and enhancing regional value chains to drive industrialization across COMESA Member States.