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What the world now calls “circularity” has long existed in African communities through necessity, creativity, and resourcefulness. [iStockphoto]
“Circularity” is the new buzzword in town. If you work within the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, as an investor, policymaker, or support organisation, chances are you have heard the term repeatedly over the past few years.
To some, it sounds like development jargon. But the truth is, circularity is not new to us. Africa practised circularity long before it became a global trend, a sustainability framework, or a boardroom conversation.
At its core, circularity refers to practices that optimise resource use and minimise waste across the entire production and consumption cycle. In simple terms, it is about maximising the value and lifespan of materials. For many African households, this is not a foreign concept; it is daily life.
