Bridging the gaps in circular economy adoption: Conceptualizing a framework for Ghana’s manufacturing sector

Industrial decarbonization and resource efficiency have driven Circular Economy (CE) to the top of manufacturing discussions, yet putting it into practice depends on technological and digital capabilities, which remain uneven across developing economies. This exploratory study develops a preliminary CE framework for Ghana's manufacturing sector, integrating formal industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), informal manufacturers, and third-party waste actors. Drawing on the Multi-Level Perspective and Modified 8Ms frameworks, it employs a mixed-methods design, combining survey data from 50 purposively sampled enterprises with policy document analysis. Results from the sampled enterprises indicate predominantly linear practices, constrained by financial, institutional, infrastructural, and digital-readiness barriers. Formal manufacturers show partial CE awareness (60%) but limited strategic and technological integration, while informal enterprises exhibit adaptive reuse behaviours (72%) driven by resource scarcity rather than policy. Inferential analysis confirmed significant associations between formality status and CE awareness (χ² = 8.33, p = 0.004), waste tracking (Fisher's Exact p < 0.001), and demand for financial incentives (Fisher's Exact p = 0.016). The framework places Industrial Symbiosis at the operational centre, connecting all actors through material, financial, knowledge, and digital flows, and specifies governance and monitoring arrangements. Policy actions recommended include improved coordination, circular financing mechanisms, digital waste-exchange and monitoring platforms, and formalized partnerships with informal recyclers. Given the exploratory sample (n = 50), findings are indicative. The study offers a context-sensitive, empirically informed model to advance inclusive, technology-enabled circular manufacturing transitions in Africa.