📡 Egypt is undertaking one of the most ambitious experiments in turning the circular economy from theory into operational practice. This is taking place within the electronics sector through the One Circle initiative, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and its partners. With partnership expansions and specialized centers for network equipment maintenance and phone refurbishment, Egypt is now a testing ground for replicable circular business models — a first step toward becoming a regional hub for telecom equipment rehabilitation and technical support services.

What we know: The initiative, under UNIDO’s SWITCH to Circular Economy Value Chains(Switch2CE) program, aims to reduce electronic waste and build a complete value chain that returns devices to the usage cycle through repair, refurbishment, and reassembly. Funded with EUR 21 mn, the initiative supports Egypt’s transition to a circular economy in electronics, reduces toxins from irresponsible e-waste disposal, raises awareness in rural communities about reuse and recycling, and empowers citizens and institutions to participate in a sustainable system that turns electronic waste into reusable resources.

From theory to practice: One Circle has successfully transformed the circular economy concept in Egypt from theory into an operational program by making the telecom sector the first local sector to have a full reuse system, according to UNIDO program manager Müge Dolun. Two specialized centers have been established: one network unit repair line in partnership with Nokia and global logistics and supply chain player DSV, and a smartphone refurbishment center in collaboration with electronics refurbishment company Upgrade, e-waste recycling company e-Tadweer, and Orange Egypt.

Results of the initiative:

  • More than 300 network units were repaired locally with Telecom Egypt and Orange Egypt;
  • Over 1.3k refurbished smartphones sold with certified warranties through Orange Egypt outlets, generating revenues of around EGP 40 mn;
  • 10.2 tons of electronic waste were collected, including over 2k phones;
  • More than 60 green jobs were created and technicians were upskilled in advanced repair technologies;
  • Partner networks expanded from 15 to 44 over two years;
  • 70.9 kg of carbon emissions were prevented.

Consumer acceptance challenges: Strong demand exists for refurbished devices, especially amid rising prices, and certified warranties boost consumer confidence. However, challenges include general distrust of second-hand devices, difficulty sourcing used devices locally, waiting lists for buyers, import restrictions on used devices due to national security concerns, and collection challenges, according to Orange Egypt.

Why Egypt? Companies participating in the initiative chose Egypt independently, Switch2CE chief technical advisor Mark Drake told EnterpriseAM. A large market, strategic geographic location, active telecom sector with around 500k specialists, high consumption of electronics, and increasing electronic waste make Egypt attractive. “Private sector companies do not stay in unrealistic projects. Their continued participation proves we are on the right track,” Drake added.

Egypt as a testing lab: The Egyptian experiment is a real laboratory for reuse and recycling business models. “We test and experiment: sometimes the model works, sometimes it needs adjustments, but the ultimate goal is a replicable, scalable model,” Drake said. Success in Egypt allows UNIDO to present the model to governments and financial institutions to facilitate funding and expansion. Egypt was chosen intentionally, with the medium-term goal of becoming a regional hub for telecom equipment rehabilitation, maintenance, and recycling.

Regulatory challenges and recommendations for early 2026: Major gaps in the sector include insufficient volume in collected devices and a lack of efficient collection mechanisms. UNIDO is discussing regulatory challenges with Egyptian government bodies and plans to release an analytical report in early 2026 outlining the legislative framework, prospects, and areas needing adjustment.

Funding is not the main challenge… The project is funded through grants and technical assistance from UNIDO, financed by the EU and the Finnish government. The main challenge is the lack of sustainable business models that investors can evaluate. UNIDO is working with the European Investment Bank to build local banks’ capacity to assess circular economy projects and fund circular investments.

… volume is. Recycling or refurbishment cannot succeed without sufficient quantity and quality of products. “We need large volumes of phones and electronics to attract private investment. This is what we are working on through new partnerships to collect devices from sales outlets,” Drake told us.

Future expansion: The circular economy in Egypt is profitable, practical, and efficient, according to UNIDO officials and partners. It presents an avenue for environmentally friendly investments, and positions Egypt as a regional hub for telecom equipment refurbishment, building a competitive green economy.

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