Photo Credit: Maria Durleva. SMEP Programme Global textile systems are shifting in response to questions about the sustainability, sourcing, and environmental footprint of the fabrics we use. The textiles industry, valued at $1.6 trillion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.3 trillion in 2030, contributes to 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes about […]
While the specific figures on the contribution of organic waste to the Republic of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) are not available, the economic potential of this waste is locally and regionally recognised and is growing. Large volumes of organic waste stem from agriculture, food and beverage industries, households, and commercial sources. In Nairobi, organics
Circular bioeconomy and closed-loop circular solutions Read More »
Countries are ramping up sustainability plans, but too often, they are designed in isolation. A new UNCTAD SMEP Programme–Chatham House brief reveals that national circular economy and bioeconomy strategies, are rarely aligned, undermining efforts to use biological resources more sustainably and reduce pollution and waste. This gap is also negative for biodiversity goals and weakens
The SMEP Programme is proud to share a milestone in our mission to support innovation in manufacturing value chains and circularity. One of our grantee projects, Uganda-based BANATEX – EA took to centre stage at the 2025 Massmart Growth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd April 2025. The event brought together over 300 businesses