It also supports entrepreneurs and invest in businesses that work for supporting the wellbeing of a natural world, for creating better jobs and opportunity, for sustainable growth.

Over the years, the BESTSELLER Foundation has made a huge impact on the lives of many people, and continues to strive for change.

The first day saw BESTSELLER Foundation and African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) organizing four sessions that brought together key note speakers, panelists and exhibitors to explore the World Circular Economy Forum main themes in Rwandan context and discuss national circular economy agenda.

The three-day hybrid event running from 6th to 8th December, attracted innovators, industry experts, academicians, and representatives from non-governmental organizations among others to discuss solutions and action plans to mitigate climate change.

Also present was Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, and the Director for International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands, Dr. Peter Diez.

WCEF2022 seeks to create circular economy that promotes sustainability and economic growth. To achieve this, the forum has brought together stakeholders for discussions on the benefits of circular economy, share best practices, and develop strategies for implementation at a national level.

Among the speakers in this conference was Esethu Cenga, Co-founder and Director of Rewoven, a company committed to bridge the gap between fashion and sustainability.

Cenga narrated how as a child, she would go to buy food carrying a container from home.

This was all her way of pointing out how Africa has been sustainable from the very beginning as the container would then have more than one purpose; removing the need for envelopes or bags.

Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya highlighted the need for people to buy what they need, not what they want, even in this holiday season.

The forum is expected to foster collaboration between companies and governments. This will allow them to create more effective policies and solutions.

The forum also features an exhibition that showcases the latest innovations in circular economy technologies and applications.

Participants of the exhibition include AFLIMBA, a company dedicated to making stylish bags from old recycled jeans, represented by its founder, Planté Josue Niyomugenga.

There were several sessions held in the BESTSELLER ’s circular economy hub that featured companies such as AMPERSAND, SLS ENERGY, UZURI K&Y and MASS DESIGN as they gathered to talk about local opportunities and bottlenecks faced by entrepreneurs.

The founder of AFLIMBA, Plante Josue Niyomugenga also participated in opening sessions.

Minister Mujawamariya addressing participants of the forum.

Some of officials attending the WCEF2022 in a group photo.

AFLIMBA showcased eco-friendly bags.

Founder and CEO of Rewoven, Esethu Cenga narrated how she would go to buy food carrying a container from home.

The Director for International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands, Dr. Peter Diez also attended the event.

The Managing Director of BESTSELLER Foundation, Jannek Hagen speaking to participants of the event.