Exploring circularity in African cities: barriers and opportunities for meaningful action

Abstract

As African cities are on the frontline of a poly-crisis (Allouche et al 2023), the need for local action becomes more apparent. Local government authorities (LGAs) are uniquely positioned as crucial actors to address resource security, climate change, and rapid urbanisation by proactively developing policies and initiatives tailored to meet these challenges. This paper argues that the circular economy (CE), a concept focused on production and consumption, provides an overarching approach for LGAs to address many interlinked crises they face, and can subsequently be championed as a core strategy to meet sustainable development goals. The paper further unpacks the challenges LGAs face in interpreting and applying CE principles. The paper makes use of a hybrid qualitative methodology, combining a deductive analysis of CE literature with inductive analysis of insights gathered from the African City officials through the African Circular Cities initiative. The thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2006 Qual. Res. Psychol. 3 77-101) six-phase approach, allowing the emergence of key themes. Through analysis of the connections between the CE and traditional climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation efforts, this paper identifies potential barriers and opportunities for CE implementation in African cities and provides a 12-point approach for the adoption of CE through the lens of African LGAs. The paper also offers future research suggestions to advance CE adoption in African cities. By implementing context-relevant solutions, African cities can move from linear approaches to more circular solutions of production and consumption and address not only climate change but also mainstream sustainable urban practices.