Last week, Benin officially launched its National Action Plan for the Circular Economy, which is supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), reports an AfDB press release issued on Tuesday May 21. This strategic initiative, designed in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), aims to enable the West African country to meet its nationally determined contributions (NDCs), incorporating a more sustainable and responsible approach to the use of its natural resources, the text explains. According to Anthony Nyong, Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the AfDB, quoted in the press release, « the circular economy, on the African continent, amounts to the promising choice of a future where economic growth and the balance of nature are aligned, working for the well-being of every inhabitant. The circular economy roadmap is the first step towards this goal ». The action plan, drawn up with all stakeholders, commits the Beninese government, businesses and civil society players to a collaborative approach in favor of an economy that promotes the ethical and optimized use of resources, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The government’s draft action plan will thus create a favorable framework for fully deploying the benefits of the circular economy by drawing up a dedicated roadmap. By adopting such a plan, Benin joins Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia and Uganda in this dynamic, and is thus paving the way for a transition towards a circular economy. According to Pépin Aïna, Director General of the Environment and Climate at Benin’s Ministry of Living Environment and Sustainable Development, « the circular economy action plan will bring major benefits to Benin through, among other things, the creation of employment opportunities and the development of the potential of young Beninese, while opening up favorable prospects in key sectors ». Benin’s roadmap will be based on eleven sectors already identified. They include waste, water, agrifood, construction, textiles, transport and mobility, as well as information and communication technologies, electronics, plastics and chemicals (plastics-related). Tourism, mining and raw materials are also among the sectors concerned, according to the press release. The African Circular Economy Facility and the African Circular Economy Alliance play a key role in integrating this new economic model as a sustainable development strategy for the continent. The two entities are working to establish the circular economy as a pillar of green growth in Africa, in harmony with global environmental imperatives. #OMA #OrganisationMarocAfrikaCulturesetDéveloppement #NajibKettani #Economy #Benin #CircularEconomy #ADB
