Policy tracker: New frameworks in Q2 focus on implementation

From the newsletter

Circular Rising spotted three new circular economy policy developments between March and June 2026. Introduced across West and Central Africa, the measures place greater emphasis on implementation through regulation, market interventions and sector-specific roadmaps, designed to operationalise circular economy ambitions. 

• The policies expand circular economy action beyond waste management, incorporating industrial development, sustainable materials and stronger regulatory oversight. 

• All three measures increase private sector responsibilities, requiring businesses to comply with new regulations, adopt sustainable alternatives and participate more actively in circular value chains. 

More details

• In May, Cameroon officially launched its National Circular Economy Roadmap (2025–2035), providing a national framework to integrate circular economy principles into economic development. Supported by AfDB’s African Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), it prioritises four sectors with significant resource and economic potential: agro-industry, waste management, plastics and the forestry-timber value chain. 

• The roadmap aims to reduce material losses, improve resource recovery, promote alternatives to conventional plastics, strengthen domestic timber processing and support job creation, while aligning with the country's National Development Strategy 2030 and Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

• In West Africa, Liberia’s Monrovia City Corporation introduced new Municipal Administrative Regulations alongside a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Solid Waste Management Framework to strengthen urban sanitation and environmental management. Effective from 1 July 2026, the regulations require all households and businesses to subscribe to certified waste collection services, introduce fines for littering, illegal dumping and open burning of waste, and tighten controls on street vending, construction activities and public events through permit requirements. The measures also include stronger protection for wetlands and waterways and mandatory participation in monthly citywide sanitation campaigns.

• The accompanying PPP framework restructures waste collection through a decentralised, district-based model delivered by private operators. Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) will provide door-to-door waste collection for households and small businesses, while Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will serve larger commercial customers, institutions and diplomatic missions. By combining stricter enforcement with private sector participation, the framework aims to improve collection coverage, strengthen compliance and create a more organised municipal waste management system.

• Meanwhile, Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced a nationwide ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products, effective 1 January 2027. The regulation prohibits the production, import, distribution, sale and use of EPS products used for commercial and domestic purposes, including takeaway food containers, disposable cups and plates, protective packaging, insulation materials and foam mattresses. Exemptions apply only to products used for medical, scientific and diagnostic purposes. The ban forms part of the country's efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage a transition to more sustainable packaging materials.

• The transition period gives manufacturers, importers, retailers and food service operators time to adopt reusable, recyclable and environmentally friendly alternatives before the ban takes effect. The EPA also plans stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns and strengthened enforcement involving local authorities, customs officials and other regulators to support implementation. 

Our take

• The new compliance obligations create opportunities for businesses providing circular economy solutions, including waste management services, sustainable materials, recycling technologies and circular manufacturing. 

• However, regulatory measures such as product bans may prove counterproductive if affordable and scalable alternatives are not readily available, potentially increasing costs for businesses and consumers while slowing adoption.