Focus on Africa’s green economy

The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) is backing moves by the African Union to develop a ‘green economy’ for the continent with a drive to a circular economy including greater recycling.

GRF’s 2030 Vision for a Green Africa was launched at a reception in the Houses of Parliament in London to mark the organisation’s sixth World Recycling Day. A green economy has been recognised by the African Union as crucial to
employment, economic growth, peace and prosperity, supporting the goals of the African Union’s agenda 2063.

GRF’s Africa programme for 2030 will focus on five key areas:
• Growth of recycling industries
• Education and sustainable innovative solutions
• Promoting the circular economy and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
• Employment
• Health and well-being

Ranjit Baxi, founding president of GRF, said at the launch that ‘Working with our global partners we will strive to strengthen the green economy of Africa helping to promote employment, economic growth, a Circular Economy, health and wellbeing by enhancing recycling across schools, communities, towns and cities across Africa.

He said the continent will experience years of rapid economic growth ahead but climate change is a real and present issue with deforestation, drought, displaced population and rising sea levels set to impact rural and urban economies.
‘Now is the time for Africa to embrace solutions that tackle the climate emergency head on and recycling is a critical part of the picture.’

Global leaders from international recycling associations including BIR, ISRI, EuRIC, BMRA and the UAE’s BMR from UAE were present to support the launch which was also attended by UK parliamentarians.