Could Africa use ‘lessons learned’ from industrialised economies to create a sustainable, equitable and prosperous society? The world is becoming more aware that a culture of ever-increasing consumption and ‘take, make, dispose’ creates pressure on resources, land and water, leading to ever-more pollution and waste, impacting on the health of humans and the living systems we depend on. Could the circular economy be the critical link in avoiding ecosystem degradation, expensive or scarce resources and unethical, unsafe employment practices?