Government representatives, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and development partners gathered in Addis Ababa for a high-level forum aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s circular economy. Co-organized by Reach for Change Ethiopia and the Africa Circular Economy Network (ACEN) Ethiopia Chapter, the event was themed “Refining the nuts and bolts to nurture Circular Business Models in Ethiopia.” Discussions focused on expanding the green ecosystem and shifting public perception to view waste not as refuse, but as a multi-billion birr economic resource capable of generating substantial revenue when properly processed.
Addressing the forum, Mekdim Gullilat, Country Manager of Reach for Change Ethiopia, highlighted that circular business models deliver both environmental conservation and high economic value. He stressed that the primary challenge moving forward is finding ways to sustainably scale these innovative ventures, ensure their market competitiveness, and expand their impact. Speakers collectively emphasized the urgent need to convert circular economy concepts into practical action by providing local entrepreneurs with direct market opportunities, accessible financing, technological support, skill development, and conducive regulatory frameworks.
Demonstrating the tangible economic potential of sustainable practices, the initiative revealed impressive outcomes achieved through the “Building Waste and Circular Enterprises in Ethiopia” project, supported by the IKEA Foundation. The project successfully generated over 41 million Ethiopian Birr in revenue, recycled more than 1.8 million kilograms of waste, and created over 1,300 permanent and temporary job opportunities for local citizens. These metrics underscore how structured waste management and recycling initiatives can serve as powerful engines for economic growth and youth employment.
The forum brought together key officials and experts from the Federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute, the Federal Environmental Protection Authority, the Ethiopian Startup Ecosystem Association (EASE), and various partner organizations. In addition to policy-level discussions, the programme featured entrepreneur testimonials and video showcases. The event also served as the “Ethiopia Studio” connecting local stakeholders to the global World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 session on “Start-up Ecosystems for the Circular Economy,” ensuring local enterprises align with international green standards and networks.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for participating institutions to offer concrete market connections, procurement options, investment channels, and regulatory support for circular entrepreneurs. By prioritizing actionable decisions over high-level dialogue, Reach for Change and ACEN Ethiopia established a practical framework to help emerging green startups overcome operational barriers and thrive in the competitive marketplace.