The European Union presents the second edition of the Circular Economy Competition in line with their support to Ghana to meet SDG Goal 12 i.e., “responsible consumption and production”. It is a contest that aims at supporting small businesses and start-ups operating in the circular economy ecosystem in Ghana.

The EU is looking to support innovative ideas and projects that aim to promote resource efficiency and thinking in Ghana across relevant sectors and help unlock the potential of re-thinking the production and delivery of sustainable choices to make these accessible, affordable, and available to the masses in Ghana.

The circular economy is not only about waste or transforming waste through reuse and upcycling into new products. It also offers the potential for an economic boost through resource efficiency and industrial transformation. It aims to maintain the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible by returning them to the product cycle at the end of their use, while minimizing the generation of waste.

The fewer products we discard, the fewer materials we extract, and the better for our environment. This process starts at the very beginning of a product’s lifecycle. Smart product design and production processes can help save resources, avoid inefficient waste management and create new business opportunities.

The first CEC was held in Accra and aired on GH One TV and The European Union's official YouTube channel, with 20 shortlisted circular economy business contestants participating. They were - Kasi Coal, AY Farms, Mending Banana & Plantain Stem Papers, Ecocent Recycling LTD, Ento Farms, Podash Processing Company, Sustainable Energy, Makola Gh, and Tiger House LTD amongst others.

Ento farms emerged winners after a keen contest and won GHC 65000 in seed funding for their business. They used the funds to expand their facility, purchase equipment, and open a second factory in cape coast.

The CEC project aims to create greater economic and employment opportunities for Ghanaians by promoting and supporting sustainable and circular businesses. Interested applicants should visit www.EU-CEC.COM to apply. Application is open from now to 4th February 2023.

Solutions envisaged should clearly aim at delivering impact, pursue sustainability and be scalable or replicable post-competition- at the local and national level. Only 20 shortlisted contestants will be selected to participate in the 2023 Circular Economy Competition with the hope to win GHC 100,000 in seed money.

Selected contestants will get the opportunity to have intense training with Venture Capitalists, Marketing Guru, and Circular Economy Experts.

The Circular Economy Competition is presented by the European Union and supported by GhanaWeb.