Author: Gergely Buda

In: Sustainable Futures, Volume 11, 2026

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101720

Abstract

Sustainable industrialization has become a priority for many African nations, yet practical pathways for achieving it, particularly through circular economy (CE) strategies, remain insufficiently understood. Although industrial symbiosis (IS) is widely recognized as a promising CE approach for enhancing resource efficiency and reducing environmental burdens, limited empirical evidence exists on how these principles can be implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa, where industrial systems are still formative and characterized by infrastructural and regulatory constraints. This gap is especially pronounced in rapidly developing industrial parks such as the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) in Uganda. Therefore, this study examines the potential and challenges of integrating CE principles, specifically IS, within KIBP, aiming to contextualize and adapt CE/IS frameworks to an early-stage industrial ecosystem. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 42 firms and consultations with park management, the research analyses existing waste and resource flows, perceptions of CE/IS, and factors shaping adoption. The paper contributes by extending CE and IS theory to the Sub-Saharan context and providing practical entry points for policymakers, industrial park managers, and businesses. Findings reveal that IS holds significant potential to optimize waste management, enable waste valorisation, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts within the park. However, implementation is hindered by weak infrastructure, limited awareness among firms, and insufficient policy enforcement. Key opportunities for enabling IS include establishing centralized waste collection and sorting facilities, fostering collaborative waste-exchange networks including informal actors, promoting technological innovation, and introducing incentive-based regulatory mechanisms.

A Buda, G.: Industrial symbiosis potential in Uganda’s Kampala Industrial and Business Park. Sustainability challenges and opportunities bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: Gergely Buda

In: Külgazdaság, 69(1), 1-23.

DOI: 0.47630/KULG.2025.69.eng.1

Abstract

Copper mining negatively affects the natural and human environment, pushes mineral-rich economies towards dependence on the extractive sector and generates vast amounts of waste materials. In Zambia, the focus country for this study, copper mining slag is piled up in enormous black mountains. At the same time, mine tailings are released into whitish lagoons, removing thousands of hectares from other activities. Meanwhile, the local road infrastructure is still poor, and there are many reports about a housing crisis and development based on the potential of the copper treasures, which is invisible. Therefore, inspired by industrial symbiosis, a circular economy model, this report explored why copper mining waste materials are not utilised for producing other goods. Industrial symbiosis is when companies use other firms’ waste or by-product materials. Based on metallurgy and mineral sciences literature, several “destination” products could be made from these waste materials, such as concrete, cement, and ceramics. Semi-structured and unstructured interviews were employed to collect data from mining companies, potential destination firms, experts, and researchers who studied mining and waste materials.

Results are presented in different categories (knowledge-related, technological, economic and legal issues) influencing the utilisation of waste materials for other purposes. The main argument and recommendation for policymakers is setting up a mineral content baseline in the materials below, which other industries can use. This intervention would contribute to economic diversification, research and innovation and free mining companies from significant financial and management burdens.

A Buda, G.: Black Mountains and White Deserts – Why are copper mining waste materials not utilised for other products and economic diversification in Zambia? bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.