“Trade can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy”

Oskar Benedikt, Ambassador of the EU to Mauritius and Seychelles 

“As the demand for batteries as clean energy solutions grows, so does the need for effective battery recycling to ensure a sustainable and competitive industry”

During his opening remarks at the Workshop on Circular Economy and Trade Policy for Lithium-Ion Battery Waste, the Ambassador of the EU to Mauritius, Oskar Benedikt, underscored the importance of lithium-ion batteries in the clean energy transition, highlighting their essential role in powering electric vehicles, scooters, and energy storage systems. However, he noted the environmental and economic challenges posed by their increasing demand.

“As the demand for batteries as clean energy solutions grows, so does the need for effective battery recycling to ensure a sustainable and competitive industry,” he stated. With demand for lithium expected to grow twenty-one times by 2050, he stressed the urgency of addressing both waste management and resource conservation.

Mauritius, like many nations, faces challenges in managing growing volumes of lithium-ion battery waste. The Ambassador pointed out that the country lacks a regional trade regime to accumulate sufficient waste for viable recycling investments. “Developing such a regime could facilitate waste management and recycling, with neighbouring countries,” he said, emphasizing the potential for regional collaboration to achieve economies of scale and enhance circularity.

He cited key actions identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in supporting circular trade policies. These include reducing technical barriers to trade, addressing regulatory divergence, and embedding circularity in trade and economic agreements. “Trade can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy,” he added.

Oskar Benedikt also highlighted the EU’s initiatives to support circular economy efforts globally. Through the “Climate Competitiveness” project, the EU is assisting developing countries in shaping trade strategies that align with green transitions. Additionally, under the Global Gateway strategy, the EU has established the Circular Economy Resource Centre to promote peer-to-peer exchanges and foster circular economy business models worldwide.

Locally, the EU has financed the Circular Economy Roadmap and Action Plan (2023-2033) under the ‘Switch Africa Green’ regional programme. “Our support for the implementation phase will focus on two specific objectives: improving institutional and regulatory frameworks, and increasing the effectiveness of circular economy initiatives within the built environment value chain,” the Ambassador stated.

He also emphasized the need for synergy between the public and private sectors to drive the green transition in Mauritius. “I hope that by the end of the day, both Government and the Industry will come up with a set of strategic actions to leverage trade and trade policy for strengthening the circular economy,” he remarked.