Africa's Circular Economy in Transition: Pathways to Advancing Sustainability

ABSTRACT This study uses systematic literature review in combination with bibliometric methods to examine the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles in Africa. A total of 923 articles were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six central CE practices are identified in Africa: resource valorization and circular materials, agro‐circular systems and nutrient cycling, environmental sustainability and pollution mitigation, inclusive community engagement and social equity, policy and governance for circular transition, and construction and material efficiency, highlighting efforts toward promoting sustainable waste management and resource utilization in Africa. However, the progress remains uneven and fragmented across regions and sectors, with countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana appearing to have made significant strides. The imbalance underscores disparities in technological capacity, funding availability, and policy support across the continent, highlighting the need for greater synergistic integration of robust policy instruments—including green building codes, tax incentives, Africa‐tailored Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, and green innovation funding—with targeted awareness campaigns, capacity‐building initiatives, and multi‐stakeholder alliances across government, industry, academia, and communities to overcome persistent barriers such as limited awareness, regulatory gaps, and fragmented supply chains. The findings highlight prioritizing future research directions that encompass leveraging digital tools and AI for CE integration and comparative regional analyses to cultivate resilient, high‐performance, and inclusive circular systems that regenerate local resources, minimize waste, and foster sustainable development across the continent.