Circular Hotspot event locations 2026 for Africa and for the Middle East region have been decided!
October 06, 2025
The 2026 edition of the Africa Circular Hotspot Event will go to Botswana!
The 2026 edition of the Middle East Circular Hotspot Event will go to Saudi Arabia!
Botswana and Saudi Arabia have been selected as 2026 hosts for the highly anticipated Circular Economy Hotspot events in Africa and in the Middle East region, respectively.
As a result, Botswana will now join the ranks of distinguished African countries: Nigeria, Souh Africa and Ethiopia! Saudi Arabia will be the first country in the Middle East to organise the Circular Hotspot event. The events have a long EU tradion with Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium, Catalonia, Nord Rhine Westphalia, Dublin, Wales and recently Slovenia as proud hosts.
The event has furthermore seen editions in the Americas (Chile, Canada and soon Mexico) and this year will have a first edition in the Asia-Pacific region (Taiwan).
The election took place in Addis Ababa at an elevation of 2.355 m and against the backdrop of the Circular Economy Hotspot Ethiopia. The event was held under the auspicien of the EPA Ethiopia, where 350 participants gathered and shared the latest circular insights.
Since 2016, when the first Circular Hotspot event took place in the Netherlands, Circular Hotspot events have been organized annually. These events showcase the organising countries’ circular activities and share their best business practices, policies and approaches. They have been successful in stimulating businesses to adopt circular principles and have inspired circular action and policies in new countries. They have created nothing less than a circular legacy.
This week the jury, consisting of six (previous) Circular Hotspot event organisers, came together to decide on the location of the Circular Hotspot event in 2026. The jury consisted of representatives from Holland Circular Hotspot (2016), ACEN Nigeria Chapter (2023), Circular South Africa (2024), Africa Circular (Ethiopia, 2025), Taiwan Circular Network (upcoming, 2025) and Hochschule Ruhr West (North Rhine Westphalia, 2022).
Botswana
The jury liked the completeness and inclusiveness of the Botswana pitch. Botswana is a qualified host for the next Circular Hotspot because it sees that business as usual and dependance on diamand industry is no longer a viable long term option. Circular Economy offers an inclusives way forward that fits its society well.
"We are honoured to host the 2026 Circular Economy Hotspot. This comes at a pivotal moment in Botswana’s economic transformation, as we embrace circular innovation to diversify beyond mining and traditional industries. We look forward to showcasing how African nations are shaping their own sustainable pathways to prosperity”.
Onneetse Ndadi, Impact Compass Africa & Sustainabiz ConsultingSaudi Arabia
The jury is of the opinion that Saudi Arabia is a more than competent host for the next Circular Hotspot because it has the vision, capacity and political will to accelerate the circular economy in the region in the light of a needed diversion of its economy.
"We are proud of having been nominated as the 2026 Circular Hotspot. We will show the world how Saudi Arabia, under Vision 2030, is advancing sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification. Hosting this event in Riyadh will highlight how circular economy principles, responsible financing, and international collaboration can accelerate the Kingdom’s path to a more resilient future. The exhibition and activities in Riyadh will provide a unique platform to achieve these goals, connecting global stakeholders, fostering new partnerships, and creating impactful economic and environmental opportunities."
National Livestock and Fisheries D.PWe congratulate the winners!
The organisers and partners have a huge but rewarding responsibility to carry forward the circular movement in their region.
Finally we would like to remind you that the next Circular Hotspot event will take place in Taiwan from October 20-23, 2025. Join us on this inspiring circular journey!
For more information:
Holland Circular Hotspot (CE Hotspot initiators): vesna.lavtizar@hollandcircularhotspot.nl
Circular Hotspot [2026] Saudi Arabia: ammar.alshehri@nfdp.gov.sa
Circular Hotspot [2026] Botswana: ndadio@gmail.com