Dakar pathways to advance circular economy, green industries and jobs in West Africa

Accompanied by around 40 European representatives, notably from the private sector, European Commission Director-Generals Manservisi and Calleja led a European Commission team in a successful regional high-level conference on circular economy, green industries and jobs targeting Western African countries. Organised by the European Commission, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Republic of Senegal, the conference attracted more than 250 participants, including government ministers, finance institutions, the private sector and civil society.

The conference underlined West African governments’ commitment to the circular economy as a feasible economic model contributing to Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. Governments are increasingly taking up dedicated policies while private sector action is also visible, from youth-led start-ups to multinationals introducing circularity in pursuit of water and energy-efficiency as well as materials and energy recovery.

The benefits of the circular economy for countries on the path to industrialisation and competitiveness are clear, but the scale of existing initiatives and knowledge is limited. The conference formulated recommendations including the need to create incentives-based regulatory frameworks, raise awareness on opportunities and best practices, develop skills and raise finance.

DEVCO DG Stefano Manservisi highlighted the potential of the circular economy for employment. He outlined the EU’s contribution to the transition in Africa, based on policy dialogue, experience sharing, the promotion of standards and support to investments, presenting the EU approach through the European Investment Plan and plans for scaling-up.

Please read the final conference statement at https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/dakar-pathways-advance-circular-economy-green-industries-and-jobs-west-africa-2019-jul-24_en

This statement offers a new path for cooperation based on the promotion of EU experience and know-how, engagement with the private sector, and instruments to facilitate investments.