8 Dec – Accelerator Sessions

Achieving net zero means transitioning from a fossil fuels-based energy system to a metals-based energy system. What does a circular economy look like for mining and metals, and how do we ensure that mineral-rich producing countries are able to benefit from the resources held in their land?

See the details for Building a just energy transition – the role of mining and metals in a global circular economy

This session highlights the required actions to accelerate the circular transition based on foundational research and provides insights into why a circular economy research agenda has an important role to play to accelerate the transition and unlock the business opportunities in African countries.

See the details for Connecting the dots: accelerating circular economy adoption across Africa

Circularity in the built environment is critical to make Africa’s cities more liveable and achieve climate goals. This interactive session will focus on circular construction, including low-carbon materials and circular concepts in dense urban environments.

See the details for The future of Africa’s built environment is circular construction

The inclusive circular transition in Africa requires a systemic and integrated approach to put theory into practice, unlocking the vast potential of value creation in Africa. But how can you make sure that this happens in the most effective way? This session discusses the needed steps, with the added benefit to stay for a traditional Rwandan lunch ($10 for your own cost) and invest in some local arts and crafts.

See the details for Three integrated steps for achieving the circular transition in Africa – road maps, hubs and action

How will an international, legally binding treaty enable the circular economy for plastics to protect the environment and human health?

See the details for High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution: Road map to end plastic pollution by 2040

Extended Producer Responsibility schemes have been customised to different contexts and introduced in several countries. What have we learned from them?

See the details for Implementation of EPR schemes: Lessons learned and best practices

What are the implications of EU circular policies on producers and exporters in developing countries? What can be done to maximise the benefits and mitigate potential trade barriers?

See the details for Circular policies without borders

Considering the ever-growing population, poverty, under-explored processing opportunities and climate risks, how can circular agricultural practices be implemented in Nigeria? This session seeks to identify practical solutions and business opportunities to mitigate the challenges within the Nigerian agricultural sector.

See the details for Harnessing circular opportunities in the Nigerian agriculture value chain

Why is it important to develop a just transition to the circular economy? Focus on the political economy and geopolitics of the transition towards circularity and how existing power relations might hamper this much needed transition.

See the details for JUST2CE: working towards an inclusive and just transition to a circular economy

What circular approaches can contribute to reducing the footprint of the textile and garment industry?

See the details for Increasing the circularity of fashion

Nordic and African circular solutions will be shared between WCEF2022 in Kigali and the Nordic gathering in Oslo. Panel discussions, expert speakers and a pitching session will work to accelerate the transition.

See the details for Bridging the Nordics and Africa through circular solutions

How can African business organisations harness the opportunities of a circular economy and improve their performance?

See the details for Circularity in action – measuring progress with purpose

This session demonstrates how the workforce is a key lever for the circular transformation by discussing concrete ways of advancing decent work in the circular economy and sharing initiatives that can inspire others around the world to learn from successful experiences.

See the details for Making the circular economy work for all: ensuring a just and job-rich transition to more sustainable societies

How can international co-operation unlock solutions for a breakthrough of the circular economy? What kind of co-operation is required to support the implementation of circular solutions?

See the details for Accelerating the circular economy through international co-operation

Local and informal businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, have huge potential to accelerate circularity and sustainability. How can recognition and policy support empower them as important agents for green economic transition?

See the details for Catalysing policy change for a circular economic transition through local enterprises in East Africa

The transition from a linear to circular economy model is a global challenge. What kind of policies, actions and governance are needed to promote and implement co-operation and actions on a global scale? Is it possible to involve science for help in defining these?

See the details for Global knowledge and science co-operation for a circular economy

A real circular economy will be achieved only through changing the way we produce, consume and dispose of our products. WRAP, OECD and the World Bank will present new assessments of the status of plastics for the global and African context and some of the ongoing actions based on a collaborative approach along the plastics value chain and new innovations.

See the details for Plastics: From a linear problem to circular solutions

What are the biggest challenges of transboundary movements of hazardous waste and how can they be overcome? This will help leverage the opportunity in collecting and recycling waste from developing countries.

See the details for Practical implementation of the Basel PIC procedure for exporters from developing countries

How does network governance empower the transition to a circular economy? What role can transition brokers play in accelerating the circular economy transition on the African continent?

See the details for Network governance – What role for the circular transition brokers?

A circular food system will bring big benefits to Rwanda. What is the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in driving the transition, and what are the policy barriers to be overcome?

See the details for Circular food systems for Rwanda: Opportunities for impact

Eco-industrial parks are geographically defined areas where materials, energy and information circulate between companies. How could we promote the benefits of eco-industrial parks in order to attract new investments?

See the details for How to attract circular economy investments to eco-industrial parks

National Cleaner Production Centers are ideally placed to support businesses make the move towards circularity, but often struggle to finance their efforts. How can they be empowered to become the natural “go to” solution for industry?

See the details for Locally led solutions to accelerate circularity within businesses

How is hazardous waste management a key feature in achieving a transition towards a circular economy? This session demonstrates the case of Rwanda’s measures to enhance national waste management capacity through engagement of the private sector and by decoupling chemical waste generation from economic growth.

See the details for Transitioning to a circular economy through sound chemicals and waste management

How could a collective process facilitate a vision for an inclusive global circular economy transition, help policy co-ordination and increase the level of ambition for the circular economy to address the triple planetary crisis?

See the details for A global road map for an inclusive circular economy – from concept to action

Through a venture capital lens, investment in circular economy business models should be limited to companies that have capacity to scale. Should projects that are unlikely to scale be abandoned? If not, what are the optimal ways to finance smaller projects?

See the details for Chasing unicorns in African circular business models