African public leadership on technology readiness and diffusing the circular economy in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The digital and emerging technologies diffusion needed to support the transition from a linear to a circular economy (CE) in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates strategic infrastructure investments and policy coherence, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders from all sectors and levels of governance. The paper used an integrative literature review to identify possible challenges limiting sub-Saharan Africa's circular economy transition. Our findings highlighted issues such as African nations' lack of technological readiness, lack of access to finance, poor basic infrastructure, low preparedness of human capital, slow decision-making among public leaders, and lack of applicable legislation as the most prevalent issues. The conclusions of this paper may be significant to the theory extension and practical knowledge required to drive positive social change in sub-Saharan Africa by informing African public leaders on the knowledge required to enact policies on technology diffusion needed to support a transition to a circular economy to support their nation's sustainable development.