Policy Brief No.5 | April 2025
By: María del Mar Alonso Almeida and Fernando Borrajo Millán
Africa, a region rich in natural resources but characterised by developmental challenges, is disproportionately affected by the international polycrisis. The convergence of climatic, social, economic, and security crises is further exacerbated by international conflicts, vested interests, and the legacies of European post-colonialism, compounded by the increasing geopolitical influence of actors such as China and Russia.
The circular economy presents a pragmatic approach for enhancing the management of natural, energy and productive resources. This approach not only mitigates the adverse effects of the polycrisis but also aligns the interests of diverse stakeholders. Specifically, it addresses the exploitation of natural resources such as mining and hydrocarbons, the exploitation of natural resources (water, waste, fishing and agriculture), and the management of other energies. While the environmental benefits are readily apparent, the circular economy also has significant implications for social challenges (migration, gender inequality), economic development; research, development (R&D) and innovation, and the reduction of security tensions (terrorism, crime). The essential role of Africa's natural and mining resources in the world is also highlighted.
The collaborative efforts of the EU and major international organisations, including the UN, African Development Bank, OECD, and WEF, demonstrate the efficacy of circular economy principles in addressing these multifaceted challenges.
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