ECA and AUC convene Indian Ocean Island States to advance blue and circular economy initiative

Port-Louis, Mauritius 25 January 2025, (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) has kicked off a validation workshop centred on a Circular Economy Action Plan and an Innovative Financing Mechanism to support a Blue and Circular Economy initiative for African and Indian Ocean Island States.

Taking place from 27 - 28 January 2025, in Port-Louis, Mauritius, the workshop is an opportunity to foster alignment and strengthen key regional partnerships among all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Action Plan. The workshop also aims to foster a framework for dialogue and collaboration on advancing the circular economy in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands States.

The organizers will present the draft of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Circular and Blue Financing Mechanism to key stakeholders for detailed review, input and validation. Round table sessions will engage technical and financial partners with the aim of strengthening their commitment to implementing the Action Plan in partnership with the IOC. Furthermore, the workshop is an opportunity to exchange and enhance the knowledge of the members of the African and Indian Ocean Island States circular Economy Expert Working Group, which will be launched during the workshop.

According to the ECA, the transition to a circular economy model offers significant opportunities for African and Indian Ocean countries as they can develop thriving economies while ensuring their long-term environmental sustainability and resilience.

Participants include representatives from African and Indian Ocean Island Member States, the AUC, IOC partners, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), the African Circular Economy Network Foundation (ACEN) and other key stakeholders.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]