Africa’s energy sector faces a dual challenge: expanding access to power while managing growing levels of waste, including e-waste. Addressing these issues simultaneously could create scalable, sustainable energy solutions. CEPREC’s model – incorporating circular microgrids to repurpose waste for renewable power – demonstrates how this concept can be implemented in practice. If successful, similar initiatives could be replicated across African markets, offering potential entry points for investors seeking to support both clean energy and environmental sustainability.

The project’s initial rollout in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia and Rwanda underscores Africa’s position as a testing ground for new energy models. As investors increasingly prioritize impact-driven ventures, the intersection of renewable energy and circular economy solutions is gaining traction. Decentralized power projects, particularly in off-grid and rural areas, present an opportunity for businesses to participate in Africa’s energy transition while contributing to economic development.

More broadly, the launch of initiatives like CEPREC aligns with Africa’s push for sustainable, localized energy solutions. Governments, development institutions and private sector players are recognizing the need for innovative financing and policy mechanisms to support such projects. Discussions at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris will explore how capital can be mobilized for renewable energy and circular economy initiatives, with an emphasis on fostering partnerships between African and global stakeholders.

Several initiatives highlight Africa’s shift toward circular economy models in the renewable energy sector, creating new opportunities for sustainable development and investment. The African Development Bank has established its Africa Circular Economy Facility, which works with countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia and Uganda to develop national circular economy roadmaps and action plans while supporting startups across three regional hubs. Meanwhile, EDP's Access to Energy Fund allocated €1 million in November to ten clean energy projects in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, and Mozambique, focusing on decentralized solar production and energy storage to enhance energy access and sustainability.

As Africa continues to pursue its clean energy goals, initiatives like CEPREC represent a unique market entry point for businesses and investors interested in Africa’s energy future. The circular economy-based solutions could set the stage for a new wave of energy projects, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future across the continent.