WCEF2022 logo, globe and the map of Africa.

African Studios will bring WCEF2022 to Cameroon, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia!

As WCEF is focusing on Africa for the first time this year, five African Studios* will take place in cities across the continent discussing the main Forum’s content in an in-depth local context. The cities hosting African Studios are Yaoundé, Lagos, Kigali, Cape Town and Lusaka. The call for applications for Global Studios, which can take place anywhere around the world, is also now open.

WCEF2022 will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, with limited seating. To engage local participation throughout Africa, the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), who is co-hosting WCEF2022, will be organising African Studios in selected cities around the continent. The main goal of the WCEF2022 African Studios is to allow more participation in the Forum by broadcasting the main programme as well as presenting local content and facilitating networking activities.

In the African Studios, participants will have the opportunity to digest the main Forum’s programme and apply it to local topics and solutions though round table and panel discussions. Keynote speakers and exhibitions will provide a deeper dive into local case studies and public agendas.

The five WCEF2022 African Studios will each accommodate around 100 participants including circular economy experts, small and medium sized businesses, national and regional authorities, embassy representatives and research centres, as well as other institutions and youth. A more detailed programme for each African Studio will be published in November.

Introducing the locations of the 5 African Studios

Yaoundé, Cameroon

Cameroon lies on the west coast of central Africa and uses French and English as official languages. The country is leading the way in a just transition to a circular economy in francophone Africa, by being one of the first countries in the world to have officially integrated a circular economy-based technology, called biochar, in its climate actions presented at COP 26. A Parliamentary Network For Circular Economy in Cameroon (PANCEC) has been established to promote the circular economy and all its benefits for the country.

Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria is not only the most populous country in Africa, it also has the largest economy, contributing 18% to the continent’s GDP. The country is also a founding member of the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), one of WCEF2022’s co-hosts. The Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group (NCEWG) is developing a national circular economy programme and road map.

Kigali, Rwanda

In addition to the main Forum, Kigali will also be hosting an African Studio. Rwanda is a founding member of ACEA and serves as its co-chair. The Rwandan Green Fund, the largest investment fund of its kind in Africa, was established in 2012 to incentivise a low-carbon and climate resilient economy by 2050. The country also serves as a great example for all other countries by banning single-use plastics in 2008 and introducing projects like Circular Food Systems for Rwanda.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is also a founding member of  With a significant amount of circular economy activities, including the greenest hotel in Africa, highest hempcrete building in the world and the Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Program, Cape Town was a perfect choice. South Africa is also the registered headquarters for ACEN and home of one of the most active ACEN chapters.

Lusaka, Zambia

The circular economy offers a massive opportunity for sustainable economic development in Zambia. The recent introduction of the Ministry of Green Environment positions Zambia for wealth generation, employment creation and poverty reduction through sustainable industry and trade. Organising a WCEF2022 African Studio will be an opportunity to not only highlight the work that is being done in this regard, but also offer a platform to share ideas and solutions for the much-needed transition to the circular economy and inclusive green growth.

If you are interested in contributing to one of the African Studios, please complete this form.

Call for applications for Global Studios is now open!

In addition to the five African Studios and the main stage in Kigali, Global Studios can also be organised anywhere around the world – even in other locations within Africa. These can broadcast all or part of the main Forum programme while incorporating additional elements to select local audiences, live or online.

If you are interested in organising a WCEF2022 Global Studio, please contact Sitra at contactus.wcef@sitra.fi.

*What are WCEF Studios

WCEF Studios are local events that support the World Circular Economy Forum from anywhere in the world. This year, African Studios will be organised in five cities across the continent, while Global Studios can be organised by anyone around the world.