The Switch to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA) programme aims to foster an inclusive transition to a circular economy.This initiative promotes green and circular business models to mitigate climate change, improve resource efficiency, and create economic opportunities.The project targets packaging/plastics waste and electronics/e-waste sectors.

By enhancing capacity development and regulatory frameworks, SWITCH-2-CE supports ESA countries in meeting their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This initiative aligns with the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), aiming to integrate circularity across all sectors.

Objectives

• Establish an enabling policy framework for the circular economy across the ESA region.

• Enhance participation of formal and informal workers, including women and youth, in circular economy models.

• Improve access to financing for circular economy businesses.

Expected results

• Enabling Policy Framework: Improved access to information and learning materials on best practices for governments. Increased awareness of circular economy principles among educators, students, consumers, and businesses.

• Strengthened public capacities to support circular economy models through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.

• Increased Participation: Topics related to circular economy integrated into Higher Education and TVET systems. Improved availability of inclusive training modalities for diverse participants, including women, youth, and informal workers.

• Enhanced knowledge sharing and support services accessible via online platforms.

• Improved Access to Financing: Establishment of a regional matching grant scheme for circular economy start-ups and SMEs. Increased availability of financial services and advisory support for business planning, technology, and management systems.

Key approaches

• Supporting MSMEs in the ESA region with technical assistance and fostering public-private partnerships to promote circular economy business models and innovation.

• Provide training integrating circular economy topics into higher education and TVET curricula, and conducting workshops to share best practices.

• Establishing matching grant scheme to fund start-ups, SMEs and joint ventures.

• Ensuring participants are women and youth, offering scholarships and training to marginalized communities to enhance their involvement in the circular economy.

• Using ICT platforms to disseminate best practices and policy guidelines, partnering with regional organizations to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.

• Assisting governments in developing regulatory frameworks, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and facilitating public-private dialogues to address barriers to circular economy adoption.