In season six of Happy Porch Radio, we are talking about the circular economy across the African continent.

Today, we are excited to be joined by Chris Whyte, the co-founder of the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) where he currently serves as an executive team member. His work examines the developing circular economy applications across Africa, with a particular focus on transitioning to a circular economy where waste is a resource.

In our conversation with Chris, we delve into the massive potential for development that the circular economy provides across the African continent and how ACEN is working to implement and support existing circular economies.

Tuning in you’ll hear examples of their work including the development of compressive blocks that provide an innovative solution to housing in Africa by using plastic waste while also having a massively reduced carbon footprint compared to cement. Chris explains the impact that Eurocentric models and aspirations have had on African infrastructure, including an entrenched cement industry across the continent.

Later we discuss the role that education plays in bringing about broader adoption of circular economic models and why different African countries require different solutions and applications.

We close off the show by hearing Chris’s advice on how Happy Porch Radio can unpack the circular economy in Africa going forward without Eurocentric prejudice.

For all this and much more, join us today!