This first-of-its-kind report presents the economic case for the transition to circular plastics economies in three African countries. Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya and South Africa’s plastics packaging value chains were analysed using the same macroeconomic modelling approach as a study conducted for the European Union.

The report begins by outlining the current economic context and associated costs of the linear plastics model, and continues to describe how the reviewed countries might move towards a circular plastics economy with key opportunities and entry points for the transition. It further highlights the positive cumulative effects of the shift on each country’s GDP, the demand for skilled and unskilled labour, public welfare and household income. Plus, the avoided costs of environmental externalities of the linear economy. Policy interventions at national, regional and global levels are recommended, and policy instruments to enable the transition towards a circular plastics economy are provided.