Current Status, Emerging Challenges, and Future Prospects of Industrial Symbiosis in Africa

Abstract

The concept of industrial symbiosis have contributed to the achievement of a circular economy—a production and consumption model that promotes sustainability and also benefits countries economically, socially, and environmentally. There exists a variety of literature that highlights several cases of the application of industrial symbiosis in different geographical locations of the world. However, only a few of these studies have investigated its prevalence in Africa. Therefore, the goal of this study is to analyze the few cases of industrial symbiosis in Africa, highlight the current status, the current regulatory context, the challenges to the implementation of this model, and propose new paths for industrial symbiosis in Africa. The study carried out shows that there exists good potential for industrial symbiosis to thrive in Africa, owing to the type of economic activities and the waste generated in Africa. It also shows that if industrial symbiosis is implemented on a larger scale, it would contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, reduce waste, and help Africa make more efficient use of its resources. However, for this to become a reality, concrete, well-thought-out actions must be taken at various levels to encourage all organizations to develop great synergy. Providing specific Industrial symbiosis-focused legislative frameworks, funding intervention from the government, and involvement of the government in the implementation of concise action plans are some aspects that can help increase the prospects of industrial symbiosis in African countries.