Africa’s cities are expected to double in population by 2050, but a new urban model is emerging: circular cities designed around zero waste, renewable energy, and resource efficiency.
Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Cape Town are piloting circular city strategies with support from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. From composting hubs to renewable-powered transport systems, these initiatives aim to reduce urban waste and emissions while creating green jobs.
“Circularity is about redesigning urban life itself,” said Dr. Vera Songwe, executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. “Africa can leapfrog into sustainable cities faster than other regions.”
Investment Drivers
Private investors are entering the space. In Nairobi, a $200 million green real estate fund is backing mixed-use developments built entirely with recycled materials. In Ethiopia, the government is negotiating with EU partners to finance circular water and energy systems for its industrial parks.
Diaspora Engagement
The diaspora is also shaping the shift. Ethiopian investors in the US recently co-financed a $50 million compost-to-energy plant in Addis.
Challenges
Despite momentum, circular cities face familiar hurdles — from weak enforcement of building codes to inadequate financing for scale. Yet, experts argue that Africa’s rapid urbanization offers a rare chance to “get it right” from the outset.
