Circular economy (CE) is primarily understood as a waste management and recycling strategy, but economic opportunities are far broader and more diverse.
Developing countries are in a strong position to take advantage of these opportunities because many of their large informal sectors already practice ‘circular’ activities, especially in areas such as electronic waste (e-waste) and phone repairs.
By investing in a circular economy, developing countries can ‘leapfrog’ developed countries in digital and materials innovation to embed low-carbon development, sustainable production, and consumption at the heart of their economies. And innovation is already under way in several countries, as well as certain sectors such as agriculture.
