Mapping youth roles in the circular economy for sustainable development goals (sdgs) 8, 12, and 13, global evidence and African gaps: A review

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative framework for achieving sustainability through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and innovation. Youth, representing the largest generation in history, are uniquely positioned to drive CE practices that advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 (decent work and economic growth), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action). This review synthesizes literature from 2020 to 2025 to map how youth engagement in the CE contributes to these SDGs at global and regional scales. Evidence indicates that young people play critical roles as innovators, entrepreneurs, activists, and change agents in CE-related sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, waste valorization, and digital platforms. Despite growing global recognition of their contributions, significant research and policy gaps persist in African contexts, where structural barriers, weak institutional support, and limited access to finance constrain youth potential. By integrating insights from cross-regional studies, this article not only highlights the transformative potential of youth-led CE initiatives but also interrogates the uneven geography of evidence, illustrating how Africa's underrepresentation in CE scholarship risks perpetuating global sustainability asymmetries. The review advances a research agenda emphasizing context-specific data, capacity building, the integration of indigenous knowledge, and inclusive policies to unlock youth agency in CE transitions. Ultimately, the study underscores that achieving SDGs 8, 12, and 13 depends on moving beyond the rhetorical inclusion of youth toward building enabling ecosystems where their innovation and resilience can reshape production and consumption systems for a just and sustainable future.