Ghana’s transition to a circular economy could dramatically curb youth unemployment while advancing sustainability, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Eric Gyenin, UNIDO’s Country Coordinator, positioned the Ghana Circular Economy Centre (GCEC) Project as pivotal to this shift, targeting agriculture, textiles, and plastics sectors.
The five-year GCEC initiative will establish a physical hub anchored by five pillars: a dedicated circular economy center, skills training for youth and women, technical support for circular businesses, financing access, and networking platforms. “This transcends environmental management; it’s economic opportunity,” Gyenin stated. By reintegrating waste into production cycles, the model promises job creation across value chains and supports inclusive, low-carbon industrialization.
With youth unemployment exceeding 20%, the project aligns with Ghana’s development needs. Gyenin linked it to the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, arguing continuous production demands resource efficiency and innovation inherent to circular systems. “Recycling and reuse enable non-stop economic activity,” he noted, urging private-sector engagement.
The GCEC aims to embed circular practices into national planning, unlock green investment, and generate sustainable jobs. Gyenin called for broader stakeholder awareness, framing the shift as an “economic revolution” with community upliftment potential.