East Africa requires bold policies to spur growth of circular economy

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The East African Community (EAC) member states should enact bold policies and legislation to revitalize action on plastic waste and spur growth of the circular economy, said a report launched in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Thursday.

According to the report compiled by Sustainable Inclusive Business affiliated with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the region’s transition from linear to circular economy will be dependent on robust action on single-use plastics.

“East Africa lies in an enviable position of taking a stand as environmental leaders tackling single-use plastics. Policy frameworks that support a transition to a circular economy are critical,” the report said, while acknowledging significant strides the region has made in tackling plastic waste courtesy of political goodwill, investments in research, innovations and public awareness.

According to the report, the six East African Community member states of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan have passed legislation to reduce plastic litter. The report hails sweeping plastic bans in Rwanda and Kenya that have inspired other African countries to take drastic steps aimed at hastening their transition to a circular economy. Read More