The launch took place on February 10, 2025, simultaneously across six sub-Saharan African countries, including Rwanda. The others are Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Namibia.

This groundbreaking initiative, backed by £3.5 million in funding from the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to address Africa’s energy challenges through circular economy principles. Priority will be put on knowledge transfer, skills development, and policy integration to ensure lasting impact.

CEPREC will drive renewable energy innovation by repurposing electronic waste and developing circular microgrids. The initiative brings together academia, government, and industry to pioneer sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Director of CEPREC and Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, explained the project’s transformative vision.

“CEPREC was set up to change the way we think about waste. Turning it into opportunity, empowering communities, and driving economic transformation. This initiative will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions across Africa.”

Africa faces a stark energy gap, with access rates varying widely across the continent. South Africa enjoys an 85% electricity access rate, while rural areas in Sierra Leone struggle with just 5%.

Meanwhile, economies differ significantly, from Nigeria’s $477 billion GDP to Sierra Leone’s $4 billion economy. These disparities highlight the urgent need for localized, scalable energy solutions, a challenge CEPREC is uniquely positioned to address.

“When technology is implemented without local capacity to maintain and expand it, sustainability is compromised. By integrating circular economy principles into Africa’s energy sector, we are creating a resilient and sustainable future,” said Professor Layi Alatise, Deputy Director (Engineering) of CEPREC.

In Rwanda, CEPREC is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the country’s green energy ambitions. Dr. Barry Rawn, Head of CEPREC in Rwanda, highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“The future of energy in Africa lies in local innovation and resource efficiency. By repurposing lithium-ion batteries and solar e-waste, CEPREC is proving that sustainable, low-carbon solutions can be both economically viable and socially impactful,” he said.

CEPREC is also working closely with Chatham House to ensure its research translates into actionable policy. Dr. Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House and CEPREC’s policy lead, emphasized the importance of international collaboration.

“The transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative; it requires a comprehensive international policy framework that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices across all sectors.”

The launch marks the beginning of an ambitious long-term vision. CEPREC’s approach aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

CEPREC will drive renewable energy innovation by repurposing electronic waste and developing circular microgrids.