“The question is whether regional trade can enable the scaling up of supply into one recycling facility” 

Alexander Kasterine, Senior Advisor at the International Trade Centre 

“The key challenge for Mauritius is overcoming the limited scale of battery waste production by leveraging regional partnerships.”

Alexander Kasterine, Senior Advisor in the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade at the International Trade Centre (ITC), highlighted the importance of trade policy in tackling climate change and waste management. In his address, he stated that “Mauritius, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to reducing its transport sector emissions, which account for approximately 30% of the country’s total emissions. The government has prioritized transport electrification as a key strategy to meet these climate commitments.”

However, the transition to electric mobility also introduces a new environmental challenge: the disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Without an efficient waste management system, these batteries pose significant environmental and health risks.

Alexander Kasterine noted that “Mauritius’ Circular Economy Action Plan provides a solid foundation for addressing these challenges, but further integration with regional and international trade policies is needed to ensure sustainable solutions.”

A major issue discussed during the workshop was the challenge of economies of scale in establishing a battery recycling industry in Mauritius. Given the relatively low volume of discarded EV batteries on the island, the feasibility of setting up local recycling facilities remains limited. The Senior Adviser of the ITC suggested that regional cooperation among Indian Ocean nations could be a potential solution, allowing for the consolidation of battery waste and the development of shared recycling infrastructure.

“The question we need to address is whether regional trade can enable the scaling up of supply into one recycling facility,” he stated. He further added that “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will also play a crucial role. When a vehicle importer brings batteries into the country, what is their responsibility in ensuring proper disposal and recycling? These are the questions we must examine.”

As part of a broader initiative, the European Union, in collaboration with the African Union, is also supporting ITC in implementing the “Made in Africa” value chain diagnostic project. This initiative is preparing Global Gateway projects across several value chains, including lithium-ion and sodium batteries. Alexander Kasterine explained that this regional effort aims to strengthen sustainable trade practices and foster economic resilience.

Reflecting on the economic and climate context of Mauritius, the Senior Advisor of the ITC remarked that “small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events posing significant risks. However, Mauritius has demonstrated resilience through its policy frameworks and investments in sustainability.”

The findings from the workshop will contribute to ITC’s ongoing research and policy recommendations, aligning with Policy Objective 61 of the Mauritius Circular Economy Action Plan, which focuses on enhancing regional and international cooperation in circular economy initiatives. The next steps involve incorporating stakeholder input into a final report, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities.

“This is my second time in Mauritius. A year ago, we worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment to explore how trade and climate change policies can be mutually supportive. That work has led to the discussions we are having today. The insights gained from this initiative will be instrumental in shaping future trade policies that not only drive economic growth, but also promote environmental sustainability,” the Senior Adviser of the ITC stated.