The Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy: Annual Progress Report March 2026

March 12, 2026

Urban solid waste in Africa is projected to increase threefold by 2050, with a significant share still disposed of through open dumping, underscoring the urgent need for structural reform.

Established in 2022 and facilitated by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE) has emerged as a strategic South–South platform advancing systemic transition from linear disposal models to circular resource management. Bringing together 18 member states, GFCCE is operationalizing a 14-point Common Agenda for Action that strengthens waste data systems, institutionalizes source segregation, promotes decentralized processing, integrates the informal sector, advances Extended Producer Responsibility, and supports policy and procurement reforms that disincentivize landfilling.

This Annual Progress Report provides a structured assessment of country-level progress, identifies persistent governance and financing gaps, and outlines the next phase of reform. It reflects GFCCE’s growing role in shaping evidence-based, financially viable and inclusive circular-economy frameworks across the Global South.