By Elizabeth Osayande

As Nigeria braces for a population surge projected to double by 2050, the nation faces escalating challenges ranging from rising waste volumes to increasing manufacturing costs and persistently high youth unemployment. In a bid to address these issues, the Nigeria Circular Economy Week (NCEW) 2026 will take place from February 16 to 19 in Lagos, presenting an opportunity for stakeholders to convert these challenges into avenues for economic growth and sustainability.

The event is convened by the Circular Business Platform in collaboration with notable partners, including the Netherlands Consulate in Lagos, Holland Circular Hotspot, and the European Union Delegation.

According to the organiser, the circular economy is no longer just an environmental ideal; it has become an economic necessity,” said a representative from the Circular Business Platform. “As global markets shift towards sustainability and resource efficiency, Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. This conference aims to unlock significant economic value while minimising our dependency on raw materials.”

With estimates suggesting that circular economy strategies could unleash trillions of dollars in potential value, NCEW 2026 will focus on how sectors such as waste management, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy can harness circular approaches.

“Through innovative practices, we can create new product lines and secondary material markets, saving costs and improving efficiency across various industries,” added the representative.

The four-day event aims to attract a diverse array of participants, including federal and state policymakers, investors, and youth-led innovators. “This is not just about theory; it’s about concrete, investable pathways that are already materialising,” emphasised the representative. “We are fostering connections between entrepreneurs and potential buyers, financiers, and strategic partners.”

Attendees can expect:SME and Enterprise Showcases: Featuring Nigerian circular businesses that demonstrate scalability and market readiness, designed to connect these entrepreneurs directly with investors; Policy Dialogues: Conversations among ministries and agencies discussing practical circular economy tools that can be deployed immediately to improve waste and resource management and Investment Conversations: Targeted discussions that will introduce innovative funding vehicles and explore avenues for patient capital, addressing Nigeria’s circular finance gap.

Others are: Research and Innovation Spotlights**: Launching circular economy research awards that encourage collaboration between academia and industry to drive evidence-based policy and market development; Trade and Partnership Engagements: Opportunities for Nigerian enterprises to access regional and global markets while positioning the country as a credible partner in the circular economy; and Curated Side Events: Hosted by various ecosystem actors, these events will facilitate focused conversations and new initiatives within a unified national framework.

“NCEW 2026 serves as the country’s most concentrated convergence of circular economy decision-makers,” the representative stated. “It’s critical for Nigeria to leverage these opportunities for sustainable development, especially with an eye on attracting sustainability-driven international investors.”