There are growing concerns about the state of the natural environment due to the negative impacts of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, inefficiency in natural resource and waste management as well as the devastating impacts of pollution among many others. In view of the urgency of the environmental challenges, emerging and developing countries need to build their capacities for researching, inventing, adapting or adopting new technologies to counter these challenges. They also need to establish the necessary demand to help such innovations develop and sustain. Doing so is prudent, not only from an environmental but also from a business point of view. This Policy Brief has been developed from a study that was conducted in six (6) African countries namely: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were used. The secondary data and information were obtained through comprehensive desk studies, where published policy materials, online journals and all relevant grey literature were reviewed and analysed. The primary data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Eco innovation relevant stakeholders from the focus countries. The selected Key Informants and FGD participants were sought from relevant government (public) policymakers, the private sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Research and Development Institutions and the media. At least one FGD and twenty (20) KII were conducted in each of the six (6) RECIRCULATE countries. The KII and FGD questions focused on understanding the existing enabling and/or constraining Eco-innovation policy environment in the specific areas, the existing policy gaps as well as their proposed recommendations that could facilitate the sustainability of Eco-innovation in those countries, the progress made, challenges, opportunities and benefits attained in promoting Eco innovation principles and practices.
