Early FM involvement in design and procurement is key to embedding CE from the outset:
Participants repeatedly emphasized that facility management must be integrated early in the asset life cycle, particularly during design and procurement stages. This allows FM teams to influence material selection, energy and water strategies, and procurement criteria before linear practices are locked in. Early involvement sets a strong foundation for circular outcomes and lowers the cost and complexity of retrofitting solutions later.
Capacity building, both technical and cultural, is essential for meaningful implementation:
The success of circular FM depends heavily on people. Across all tables, participants highlighted the need to build knowledge, skills and awareness not only among FM professionals but also across other business functions, governments and communities. Capacity building should focus on both technical competencies, such as data and resource management, and cultural change, including mindsets and behaviors that support reuse and resource efficiency.
Cultural context matters: local solutions and traditional practices can be powerful assets:
Rather than importing circular models from other regions, participants stressed the value of building on Africa’s own cultural and traditional practices, many of which are inherently resource efficient. Incorporating these approaches into modern building and operational strategies can lead to solutions that are more sustainable, affordable and culturally resonant, increasing the likelihood of widespread acceptance.
Government leadership and enabling frameworks will shape the pace and scope of adoption:
Policy clarity, consistent regulation and public sector leadership are critical to accelerate circular FM in Africa. Participants saw governments as both standard setters and market enablers. Through incentives, procurement policies, infrastructure investment and national agendas that transcend political cycles, governments can create the enabling conditions for the private sector to scale circular initiatives.
Scaling existing initiatives, rather than only inventing new ones, was emphasized through examples in renewable energy and proof-of-concept projects:
Participants made clear that many circular economy practices already exist in Africa, albeit at a small scale. Scaling what works (e.g., renewable energy generation, furniture reuse, water recycling) offers a practical and credible pathway to progress. Demonstrating impact through proof-of-concept projects can help build the evidence base and attract investment, enabling broader replication across regions.
International Facility Management Association (IFMA) supports over 25,000 members in 140 countries. Since 1980, IFMA has worked to advance the FM profession through education, events, credentialing, research, networking and knowledge-sharing.