The Effect Of Circular Economy In The Lives Of The Ghanaian Youth; A Case Of Invest For Jobs Programme Of GIZ, Ghana

Abstract

The transition towards a circular economy (CE) has become an important strategy for addressing unemployment, environmental degradation, and resource inefficiency in developing economies. This study examines the effects of CE interventions on the livelihoods of Ghanaian youth, focusing on the Invest for Jobs programme implemented by GIZ. Guided by a qualitative research design, the study explores how skill development, knowledge transfer, environmental behaviour change, and institutional support influence youth participation and socio-economic outcomes within Accra’s emerging CE landscape. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with youth beneficiaries, programme officers, and community stakeholders, and analysed thematically.The findings reveal that CE initiatives provide substantial opportunities for youth empowerment by enhancing technical competencies in recycling, composting, and sustainable product design, while fostering soft skills such as innovation, problem-solving, and eco-literacy. Participants reported improvements in income stability, employment prospects, and entrepreneurial readiness, demonstrating the potential of CE programmes to contribute to long-term livelihood enhancement. The study also identifies significant environmental behaviour change among youth, including increased waste segregation, adoption of eco-friendly practices, and active participation in community sensitisation. However, systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, fragmented policy frameworks, infrastructural constraints, and weak post-training support were found to impede the full realisation of CE-related opportunities. The study concludes that while CE interventions hold strong promise for youth development and green job creation, their impact depends heavily on coherent policy implementation, sustained mentorship, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Recommendations are offered to strengthen programme delivery, improve institutional support, and scale successful CE models to benefit a wider youth population. The research contributes to policy debates on sustainable development and provides practical insights for enhancing CE-based youth empowerment initiatives in Ghana.