Opening + Trailblazers for a circular economy

Featuring innovative African entrepreneurs, the first session will showcase case studies on how SMEs are leading the circular transition, positively impacting local communities.

Related UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • 8 Decent work and economic growth
  • 12 Responsible consumption and production

Which circular economy innovations are pointing the way towards Africa’s future? What are the secrets of their success so far? 

This session will bring together some of the trailblazers who are building circular businesses. They will share their stories and hard-won experience in an interactive panel session. The session will also include insights into how to create the right conditions for circular businesses to thrive and achieve their potential across the continent. 

Organisers: Footprints Africa, SEED and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund 

Watch the session recording with English captions:

Watch the session recording with French captions and interpretation:

 

Masters of Ceremonies - Introducing the forum themes

Welcoming words

Highlights of the Word Circular Economy Forum

  • Jyrki Katainen

    Jyrki Katainen

    President, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

  • WCEF2022 Speaker - Peter Diez

    Peter Díez

    International Affairs Directorate, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherland

  • WCEF2022 Speaker - Hiroshi Ono

    Hiroshi Ono

    Vice-Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Video: Inspiring circular economy solutions from Africa

Keynote: What the data is telling us: How to unlock circular brilliance across the continent

Moderator

  • Kissy Agyeman-Togobo

    Kissy Agyeman-Togobo

    Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Songhai Advisory and Trustee, Footprints Africa

Panel discussion: Stories from four African circular economy trailblazers

Pathways for aspiring circular entrepreneurs

  • WCEF2022 Speaker - Deborah Nartey

    Deborah Ohui Nartey

    Research Analyst, Footprints Africa Limited

  • Matthias Reusing - WCEF2022 Photo

    Matthias Reusing

    Counselor – European Green Deal, Rural Development, Trade Sector, Delegation of the European Union to Zambia and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Conclusions