Towards a Green Steel Ecosystem in the East African Community

Steel remains globally foundational for economic and human development. It underpins all sectors of any growing economy, including infrastructure, energy, construction and both capital and consumer goods manufacturing. Steel is also a critical component in green technology, with recycled scrap steel already an integral component of modern steel, which helps close the loop for proactive circular economy transitioning towards decarbonisation. There is no substitute for steel in the foreseeable future.

A major finding of this study is that the volatile strategic environment for global iron ore and steel production creates both paradoxical trends and opportunities for the East African Community.

Given some existing comparative advantages and some potential policy adjustments, the East African Community could find that apparent the ‘missed opportunity’ creates improved prospects for regional economic development while meeting global and regional decarbonisation goals.