A major milestone was achieved during the 𝗔𝗪𝗪𝗦 𝗜𝗜𝗜 – 𝗜𝗦𝗪𝗔 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 with the official launch of the East African Circular Management Coalition (EACMC), a regional platform dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions through regional collaboration around technology, inclusion, policy harmonisation and sustainable financing across the East African Community (EAC).
The launch marks a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the transition from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular economy model adoption that creates value from waste while promoting environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth. It reflects a recognition that while waste is generated locally, enabling solutions; standards, inter-operable data systems, financing mechanisms and producer responsibility frameworks must be developed regionally.
Building on Regional Momentum
The coalition is the culmination of a series of stakeholder engagements and consultations including a Roundtable on Regional Circularity and Waste Management held earlier this year in Arusha, Tanzania. These engagements brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, innovators, waste management practitioners, and representatives of the informal sector to identify shared challenges and opportunities within the region’s waste management ecosystem.
The discussions highlighted a common understanding: while East Africa has made significant progress in waste management and circular economy initiatives, fragmented policies, limited regional coordination, weak data systems, and insufficient inclusion of informal actors continue to hinder the sector’s full potential. Less than 10% of recyclable materials generated across East Africa are currently recovered, while waste generation is projected to increase by between 60% and 74% by 2030. At the same time, the majority of material recovery is being driven by informal waste actors who often operate without adequate recognition, protection, financing, or policy support. These realities underscore the need for a coordinated regional approach.
The establishment of EACMC seeks to address these challenges by creating a collaborative platform that fosters regional alignment, knowledge sharing, research, technology, policy adoption, and investment mobilization.
Transforming Waste into Wealth
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to move beyond viewing waste as an environmental challenge and instead recognize it as an economic opportunity with technology as an enabler for circular economy transformation.
The future of circularity in East Africa relies on a coordinated approach from building inclusive, cross-border partnerships that support the foundational waste pickers and micro enterprises, while simultaneously deploying digital infrastructure. GSMA Closing the Gap on plastic management highlights that digital technologies; mobile applications, mobile money, artificial intelligence (AI), IoT blockchain and data platforms can improve citizen engagement, operational efficiency and transparency across waste value chains. By integrating emerging these technologies with standardized regional data systems, the region can track waste flows, improve traceability, and unlock investments. Ultimately, combining supportive policy frameworks with these advanced tools will strengthen the waste management ecosystem and accelerate regional innovation.
With East Africa emerging as one of the fastest growing regions globally, the circular economy presents a unique opportunity to create jobs, support industrial development, attract investment, reduce environmental degradation, and ontribute to climate resilience.
Key Voices Driving the Conversation
The launch featured valuable insights and commitments from regional leaders and experts, including:
- Hon. Gedion Gatpan Thoar — Member, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
- Eng. Allen Kimambo — Founder & CEO, Zaidi Recyclers Limited
- Alfred Osiko — Market Engagement Director, ClimateTech & Digital Utilities, GSMA
- John Bosco Kalisa — Executive Chairman, East Africa Business and Investment Advisory Council
- Pauline Muchunu — Market Engagement Manager, ClimateTech, GSMA
- Brian Kalekye — Lead, Partnerships and Regional Development, TTNM
Their contributions underscored the importance of regional cooperation in driving policy reforms, strengthening value chains, promoting innovation, and ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind in the transition towards a circular economy.
Looking Ahead
The EACMC will serve as a platform for coordinated action across governments, private sector, development partners, researchers, waste management practitioners, and community actors in EAC. Through advocacy, partnerships, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement, the coalition aims to catalyze circular economy models adoption and unlock sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
As East Africa continues its journey toward a greener and more resilient future, the launch of EACMC signals a collective commitment to transforming waste into wealth and positioning the region as a leader in circular economy innovation.
Special appreciation goes to Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) through their Impact Fund, and all other partners whose support has helped shape these important regional conversations and initiatives.
Join the Movement
The East African Circular Management Coalition (EACMC) welcomes organizations, practitioners, policymakers, innovators, researchers, waste pickers, and development partners committed to advancing circular economy solutions across the region.
Become a member of the Coalition and be part of shaping the future of sustainable waste management in East Africa: Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and circular East Africa.