Circular Hotspot is a global initiative which brings together planners and implementers of circular economy measures. 

• In 2024, the European Hotspot was held in Wales, while global Hotspots took place on three other continents: North America (Canada), South America (Brazil) and Africa (South Africa).
• In 2025, the European Hotspot was in Slovenia, with global Hotspots in Ethiopia, Mexico and Taiwan (the first country in the Asia-Pacific region).
• In 2026, the global Hotspots will be Botswana for Africa and Saudi Arabia for the Middle East region.

Botswana will follow in the footsteps of Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia will be the first country in the Middle East to organise a Circular Hotspot.

The selection panel felt that Botswana is a qualified host for the next Circular Hotspot because it sees that business as usual and dependence on the diamond industry is no longer a viable long-term option. The circular economy offers an inclusive way forward that is a good fit for its society.

Saudi Arabia was selected because it has the vision, capacity and political will to accelerate the circular economy in the region as a way to diversify its economy.

Since 2016, when the first Circular Hotspot event took place in the Netherlands, Circular Hotspot events have been held each year. These events showcase the organising countries’ circular activities and share their best business practices, policies and approaches. They have been successful in encouraging businesses to adopt circular principles and have inspired circular action and policies in new countries, creating a circular legacy.