Introducing Africa’s First-Ever CIRCO Hub
CIRCO, a globally recognized initiative focused on fostering circular business models, has officially launched a Hub in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone for the African continent. This launch was made possible through the collaboration between the Kingdom of the Netherlands Consulate in Lagos, the Circular Business Platform, and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Pan-Atlantic University.
Launched at the EDC office in Ajah, the collaboration will bring together expertise and a shared vision for a sustainable future. “Together, they will make the CIRCO Hub Nigeria a catalyst for change,” said Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen.
Deelen revealed that CIRCO focuses on driving the circular economy by empowering entrepreneurs and creative professionals to redesign products, services and business models with sustainability at their core: “Supported by governments and various stakeholders, CIRCO has successfully sparked circular business practices worldwide. Nigeria is now poised to join this movement.”
Staying ahead: Nigeria’s path to circularity
CIRCO Hub Nigeria, the first of its kind in Africa, marks a significant milestone in advancing circular economy practices on the African continent. This pioneering initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between the Circular Business Platform (CBP) and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), both leaders in promoting sustainability and entrepreneurship. According to Executive Secretary, Circular Business Platform, Natalie Beinisch “As global business landscapes increasingly prioritize circularity and sustainability, Nigeria must stay ahead of the curve.”
Beinisch: “CIRCO Hub Nigeria will provide businesses with the tools, expertise, and knowledge needed to transition to circular business models. By helping companies design out waste, extend product life cycles, and regenerate natural systems, this Hub will position Nigeria as a leader in the African circular economy movement, driving the shift towards more sustainable and resilient business practices.”
What benefits will the Hub bring?
The core of CIRCO’s offering is a globally recognized training module that helps businesses redesign their products and services while building successful circular business models. Beinisch stated that participants will gain access to both local and international alumni networks to support the ongoing implementation of circular practices within their businesses.
This program will open new doors for Nigerian businesses to compete on a global stage by adopting circular economy practices.
Speaking on the EDC collaboration, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu said that “With over 20 years of experience, EDC has established itself as a leading force in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria,” adding that “Partnering with CBP, which has been at the forefront of promoting circular economy business models in the country, this collaboration brings together expertise and a shared vision for a sustainable future.”
Together, they will make CIRCO Hub Nigeria a catalyst for change. The launch of CIRCO Hub Nigeria marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, one where circularity and sustainability are prioritized.