Ethiopia Circular Economy Hotspot 2025: Advancing Sustainable Development Through the “Waste to Wealth” Movement
On October 1, 2025, Ethiopia took center stage in Africa’s circular economy movement by hosting the Circular Economy Hotspot 2025 in Addis Ababa. The event was held under the theme “Waste to Wealth: Advancing Sustainable Development through Circular Innovation”. It gathered hundreds of delegates from Ethiopia and abroad, including government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners, and civil society representatives.
Organised by the Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Hotspot event provided a platform to showcase Africa’s growing momentum in turning waste into valuable resources, promoting sustainable production and consumption, and fostering green economic transformation. GIZ, through the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS II), is proud to have contributed both technical and financial support for the organisation and facilitation of the event, helping to catalyse the partnerships and innovations that will shape Ethiopia’s sustainable future.
In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Eng. Lelise Neme, Director General of the EPA, emphasised Ethiopia’s strong commitment to circular economy principles as part of its broader Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy. Hosting the Circular Economy Hotspot, she noted, demonstrates Ethiopia’s leadership and readiness to collaborate regionally in achieving a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
The event featured two high-level panel discussions exploring key drivers of circular transformation: “Enabling Environments for a Circular Economy” and “Fostering Partnerships to Unlock Circular Economy Potential.” These sessions highlighted the importance of policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and cross-sectoral collaboration in accelerating circular innovation across Africa.
A special event highlight was the circular economy hackathon, which brought together 49 innovators to develop practical solutions for turning waste challenges into business opportunities. Further, 25 exhibitors showcased their contributions to circular economy development in Ethiopia – from recycling enterprises to green technology start-ups. A jury recognised the top three start-up companies and hackathon ideas, awarding prize money to further advance their innovations.
Delivering keynote remarks, Mr James Njeru, Component Manager of NatuReS Ethiopia, underlined the role of partnerships in driving systemic change.
“Together, through the power of stewardship partnerships, we will build a circular economy that is not only environmentally sustainable and economically viable, but also socially just, ensuring that Ethiopia’s transformation benefits all its people.”
GIZ, through its NatuReS II programme, has been a close partner in Ethiopia’s circular economy transition. Beyond financial support to the Hotspot, GIZ has provided technical assistance to the development of the National Circular Economy Roadmap. This serves as a blueprint for reimagining how Ethiopia’s 120 million citizens interact with natural resources and create value sustainably.
Ethiopia hosting the Africa Circular Economy Hotspot 2025 is a milestone that demonstrates that the journey toward a circular economy is well underway. It shows that through innovation, collaboration, and shared vision, Africa can turn its “waste to wealth” and unlock new pathways to prosperity.
