Thirty (30) years of circular economy (CE) collaboration in Zimbabwe: success factors and barriers of networks in the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ)

Abstract Over a period of 30 years from 1993 to 2023, the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) network has implemented Circular Economy (CE) initiatives in different sectors in Zimbabwe, but has not evaluated its impact. This research aims to assess the success factors and barriers of network collaboration. Case Study design and data collection methods including questionnaires, interviews, direct observation and content analysis are used. Performance of the association is analysed over a 30-year period to derive a time-series analysis. The research concludes that the BCSDZ promotes CE through training, capacity building, workshops, demonstration projects and field visits. Success factors include a wide stakeholder network, presence of Group Standards at Multinationals and affiliation with international organisations as it is the interconnection and integration between various actors (nexus). Furthermore, international agreements and national laws, have had an effect of increasing the demand for collaboration. Barriers include lack of financing and different organisational priorities. The research concludes that in order to overcome barriers, blended financing models are required.