Green shoots of funding hope for circular at Cape Town event

From the newsletter

Circular economy projects are gaining previously unknown attention from investors, as borne out at Africa’s Green Economy Summit in Cape Town with an apparent $3.09 billion green deal pipeline, From battery recycling to waste-to-energy infrastructure, capital is placing circular solutions on high-profile agendas. There are a growing number of funding opportunities – also beyond the summit stage.

• Africa’s circular economy is dominated by startups, most of which struggle to scale due to limited access to growth capital and insufficient technical support to strengthen operations, governance and investor readiness.

• However, an emerging stream of financing options, spanning blended finance platforms, development banks, donor-backed facilities, innovation funds, and venture capital-backed accelerators, is beginning to address the sector’s capital and technical support gaps.

More details

• US-based Global Environment Facility (GEF), has through its Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) announced its 2026 call for proposals, offering grants of up to $30,000 to civil society organisations and community-based groups in Ghana. The programme seeks the most innovative initiatives across GEF focus areas,including local-to-global coalitions for chemicals and waste management. The call aims to support community-driven projects along the Black Volta Basin that address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and social inclusion. In addition to funding, GEF-SGP will provide strategic support by strengthening institutional, technical and financial capacities, developing platforms and networks, and expanding partnerships to scale up impact. The deadline for submissions is 6 March 2026.

• France’s agency for international development cooperation, Expertise France, has launched a $7.1 million new call for grant awards and technical assistance to support circular economy enterprises working in the plastic packaging and e-waste value chains across East and Southern Africa. Selected projects will each receive $236,000–$590,000 alongside tailored technical assistance. The initiative, with a deadline of 16 March, aims to strengthen sustainable business models that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the green economic transition.

• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a funding call for initiatives that advance an inclusive green economy in the region. Selected projects will receive $354,000–$1.12 million, with a minimum 10% co‑financing requirement. Projects should pilot or scale sustainable solutions that promote circular economy development, climate resilience, and green job creation. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026.

• The UK-based global mobile industry body GSMA has launched a new Innovation Fund offering grants of $120,000 to $240,000 to support small and growing enterprises using mobile and digital technologies to accelerate the green transition in low- and middle-income countries. The fund will back commercially viable innovations across Africa, Central and South America that promote circularity in mobile devices while reducing e-waste and expanding access to affordable devices for underserved populations. Eligible solutions include take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling systems. In addition to grant support over 15–18 months, selected enterprises will receive technical assistance and help to connect with investors and mobile network operators. The application deadline is 6 April 2026.

• Meanwhile, Norway-based venture capital firm Katapult has announced the Katapult Africa Accelerator Programme, designed to support climate‑tech startups in achieving growth, investor readiness, and effective impact management. Open until 25 April 2026, the three‑month programme covers various impact areas, including waste management and sustainable solutions across Africa. Selected startups may receive $150,000–$500,000 in investment, alongside mentorship, business support and connections to potential investors.

Our take

• Many of the funding opportunities combine funding with technical assistance, mentorship, and investor matchmaking, giving circular businesses not only the capital to grow but also the operational support needed to scale effectively and attract further investment.

• However, most of these instruments remain competitive, milestone-driven, and often require co-financing or proof of traction. For early-stage ventures, the barrier is no longer the absence of capital, but readiness to access it.