EXCLUSIVE: Ellen MacArthur student enthused by business ambition

One of the first students to enrol in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation summer school has spoken of his optimism that the circular economy will "become the model of choice for all businesses" going forward.


African forestry and environmental management consultant Chidi Ofoegbu was one of a select group of students chosen to take part in the summer school.

The initiative forms part of the Schmidt-MacArthur Fellowship Programme, which aims to develop the skills and innovative thinking needed to transition towards circularity.

Having completed the week-long intensive course, Ofoegbu has since returned to Africa to embark on an MSc in Economics for Natural Resources and Environmental Management, where the majority of his project work will relate to the circular economy.

He took time out to speak to edie about his experiences, in which he said he was “thrilled” to be working alongside some of the leading experts in this field.

“Though the circular economy business model is quite new and possibly with some uncertainties, the experience of the people who dared to take initiatives proves that it’s working,” he said.

“If we can dare to make a change, I believe the circular economy model will transform our business world.”

According to Ofoegbu, the closed loop approach offers businesses a great opportunity to examine and restructure their supply chains.

“Reflecting [on] the impacts of each production decision on downstream characteristics will have great impact in reduction of waste generation,” he observed.

On a professional level, he said his experience at the school would ultimately make him a better professional.

“Having the opportunity to learn a new way of approach towards efficient and effective resource utilisation during the summer school, I believe this will enhance my career development.

“Considering that my background is in forest and natural resource management coupled with the fact that most of the African countries economies are dependent on natural resource utilisation, I strongly believe that the summer school has offered me a platform for amazing career advancement.”

Read the full interview with Chidi Ofoegbu about his Ellen MacArthur Foundation summer school experience here

Maxine Perella

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