From waste to roads : circularity as a catalyst for rural mobility and economic growth in Southern Africa

Abstract

This essay explores how waste material valorisation can accelerate rural mobility and economic development in Southern Africa through cost-effective, sustainable low-volume roads. Historically central to agriculture and economic growth, rural areas have been overlooked in transport planning, favouring urban centres. A shift is needed to prioritise the rural economy. Through a circular economy framework, locally available waste materials can be recycled for rural pavement construction-creating jobs, reducing environmental degradation, and improving mobility. Case studies from Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe demonstrate the technical feasibility, socio-economic benefits, and implementation strategies of this approach. Findings show that a circular approach can cut costs by up to 40%, lower emissions by 30-60%, and generate 5-7 times more jobs per kilometre than conventional techniques. This essay contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable rural development in the region.