Closing the Loop, Unlocking Circular Economic Opportunities

African food systems face interconnected challenges, including food loss and waste, limited value addition, inefficient use of resources, and constrained access to markets and finance. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for businesses to turn underused resources into valuable products, generate new revenue streams and jobs, reduce costs, and strengthen local food economies. 

At the Africa Food Systems Forum, the African Circular Economy Network will bring together entrepreneurs, food-system leaders, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore how circular economy approaches can unlock these opportunities across Africa’s food systems. 

The event will showcase practical business experiences and solutions, drawing on lessons from the Circular Food Systems for Rwanda program and other initiatives. Entrepreneurs will share how they are transforming overlooked or underutilized resources into products and businesses that generate economic and social value while improving resource efficiency. 

The discussion will focus on what it takes to scale these approaches beyond individual businesses and reach wider markets and communities. Participants will explore lessons from successful initiatives, opportunities for replication, and the partnerships and investment needed to accelerate circular solutions across African food systems. 

Venue: MH4 - Space A