Arusha, Tanzania – March 11, 2026 – Policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, and circular economy practitioners convened at the High-Level Roundtable on Regional Circularity and Waste Management in Arusha. Under the theme “Harnessing Policy, Innovation, and Digital Collaboration for a Circular East Africa,” the event brought together a coalition committed to transitioning the region from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a regenerative circular economy.
The convening emphasized the urgent need for coordinated regional action. Currently, less than 10% of recyclable materials in East Africa are recovered, and waste generation is projected to rise by 60–74% by 2030, posing significant environmental and public health risks. Participants explored strategies to replace linear consumption models with systems integrating policy harmonization, digital innovation, and community engagement.
Key Insights from Speakers
- Private Sector Leadership: Mr. Gift Gabriel of the East African Business Council highlighted the EABC “Zero Waste” program and ESG Committee, emphasizing that strategic investment in waste management can drive social and economic development across the region.
- Kenya’s Policy Success: Dr. Mamo B. Mamo (NEMA) shared Kenya’s achievements under the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, including mandatory segregation and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. He called for stronger regional collaboration, investment in modern waste infrastructure, and protection of informal waste workers.
- Legislative Harmonization: Hon. Gideon Gatpan Thoar (EALA) stressed that “waste knows noborders,” advocating unified regional legislation, including the proposed Single Use Plastics Bill.
- Strengthening Systems: Nicholas Ambwene (PETRO) urged a shift from voluntary to mandatory EPR frameworks, while Dr. Joe Assoua (ESAMI) warned that global waste could rise 70% by 2050 without urgent circular action.
Driving Policy and Collaboration
Outcomes from the roundtable will inform a regional policy brief to the East African Community (EAC), guiding coordinated efforts toward a circular, resource-efficient region. The brief will focus on advocating for harmonized waste standards, mandatory EPR frameworks, and digital tools for improved traceability and resource management. It will also highlight formalizing the informal sector, ensuring protection and integration of waste pickers and community actors into the formal circular economy.
The event concluded with the formation of specialized working groups, which will evolve into committees of a regional coalition advancing circular economy solutions across East Africa.
Partners and Conveners: GSMA, TakaTaka Ni Mali, Tanzania Recyclers Association, Tanzania Circular Economy Alliance, UNDP Kenya, UNDP Tanzania, Taka Ni Ajira, PETRO, and YoWaste, in partnership with the EAC Secretariat.
