On 6^th September 2023, KEPSA participated in the 'Bio-circular economy pathway to sustainability and climate resilience' ACS side event on the auspices of the Africa Climate Summit, represented by Faith Ngige, the Climate Business Information Network – Kenya (CBIN-K) Coordinator under KEPSA.

According to Ms Ngige, circularity for Africa provides a market potential of about $8 Billion annually. However, she noted that this potential remains untapped, mainly because the waste management systems are still underdeveloped.

"About 30-40% of food in Africa goes to waste across value chains, yet many populations remain food insecure. We must undo this if we are to create a better continent, create green jobs, and become food secure by rethinking how we interact with waste, not just as waste but as a resource," Added Ms Ngige.

Speaking on Kenya’s policy and legislation strides and the role in the transition to circularity, Ms Ngige emphasized that the Sustainable waste management policy translates Kenya's waste management approaches from a linear to a circular economy approach. Further, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation will go a long way in attaining sustainable packaging and production. She also called for secondary market development, which is crucial to ensure the increase in the competitive edge of the bio-circular enterprises and the market growth for African consumption.

The session included a showcase of bio-circular businesses in Kenya, providing sustainable and regenerative models around waste management. These included RegenOrganics, Green Stem, Products, and Omiflo.

While showcasing her plastic-free packaging innovation, Ms Anita Shah, CEO of Green Stem Products, noted, "Green manufacturing is the key to development in Africa, but we must incorporate circularity & source our materials in regenerative models that don't degrade the environment.”

On his part, Mr Michael Lwoyelo, the Managing Director of RegenOrganics, expressed concern over the growing threat to food security in emerging markets, saying it results from multiple challenges, including population growth, climate change, and supply chain disruption. He acknowledged the many innovative solutions in Africa working to achieve a bio-circular economy, including his Black Soldier Fly technology. “We're not only solving the organic waste management issue but also providing an alternative source of animal protein.” He said.

However, these innovations continue to experience financing challenges, as explained by Mr Mshila Sio, CEO of Omiflo, which provides natural and sustainable wastewater treatment systems. “Culturally, we are very risk averse. It took us a lot of time to sell our technology, and that also applies when we’re seeking funding since nature-based solutions are seen as high-risk. Bio-circular economy solutions require financial support to scale, and someone has to believe and take a chance on us,” he concluded.