LOW CARBON CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A low carbon circular economy as an emerging concept is critical to the development of Africa and the achievement of sustainable development across the globe. The concept, circular economy is an emerging concept, it is believed to have been practiced in a disguised traditional way in African as posited by the Rwandan Minister of Environment.
With climate change impact in Africa and the scary negative future projections of climate change impact particularly in Africa, there is the need for African countries to strengthen their commitment to carbon reduction through the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. As such, economic development underpinned by low carbon emission will be very essential to developing countries in Africa. But how should this be approached? The Next Einstein Forum 2018 Global Gathering’s Plenary Session on ‘Africa’s Low Carbon Circular Economy’ provides thought provoking recommendations that have the potential to put the continent on the track of industrial development.
Industrial development in Africa must focus on reduction, reuse and recycle which are the fundamental principles of a circular economy. As a result, there is the need to promote resource and process modification to give new value and use to already used resources and avoid resource wastage as the world faces resources scarcity. To this end, cross-collaboration and stakeholder involvement is a necessary condition for a low carbon circular economy in Africa.
Governments, private sector and end-users of finished products must be involved in the process of a low carbon circular economy in Africa. In view of this, creating an enabling policy environment that is inclusive in terms of stakeholders and sectors (environment, production and consumption) should be championed as the hallmark of a low carbon circular economy particularly in Africa.
Africa has a large quantum of solar energy and this can be effectively put to use as a replacement for biomass which has the potential to increase greenhouse gas emission. Notwithstanding the huge investment associated with solar energy development, it is predicted to be more efficient as an alternative source of energy for a low carbon circular economy. In addition, the development of solar energy is the most appropriate solution to Africa’s energy crisis.
In recent times, scientific advancement has also revealed the potentials of hydrogen development as an important sources of energy for a low carbon circular economy amidst climate change and global warming. Moreover, African economies can also adopt the innovative approach used in Kenya to produce energy from agricultural waste.
Local innovators, governments, private sector, international community and development funders are called into the equation to contribute towards a low carbon industrial circular economy in Africa. A low carbon industrial circular economy enhances job creation, provides employment and increases productivity which are crucial to address poverty and underdevelopment challenges in African as well as promotes reduction in greenhouse gas emission and ensures sustainable development.