Hosted in the Global South for the first time, the World Circular Economy Forum 2022 was held in Kigali, Rwanda and online from 6 to 8 December.

Five African Studios in cities across the continent live broadcast the main event in Cape Town, South Africa; Kigali, Rwanda; Lagos, Nigeria; Lusaka, Zambia; and Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Studios facilitated discussions around circularity, while offering participants the opportunity to exhibit their solutions and share ideas. Global Studios were also organised in Finland, Italy and Tanzania.

This year’s global collaboration forum presented a unique opportunity for African nations and the world at large to transition toward an inclusive low-carbon and climate resilient economy while tackling key societal challenges. Africa can lead the world towards a new, more resilient economy – the circular economy. With vast natural resources, a young population, strong entrepreneurship and new forms of collaboration, the African continent can offer inspiration to the world.

WCEF2022 explored major themes relevant to Africa’s development in which circularity could play a big role, including climate and nature, youth, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as trade and value chains. The third day was reserved for partner-led programmes that took place online or in Kigali.

Please see the Forum website www.wcef2022.com for more information on the sessions' programme and co-organisers.

The annual World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) presents the world’s leading circular economy solutions with business leaders, policymakers and experts participating from around the world. Circular economy approaches can help businesses seize new opportunities and gain a competitive advantage, as well as contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

WCEF is a global initiative of Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The first Forum was held in 2017 in Helsinki, Finland.