P4G National Platform Liaison, South Africa

Etienne Jacques Basson is a circular economy practitioner advancing inclusive circular economy initiatives and infrastructure across South Africa. His work focuses on unlocking and coordinating public and private sector investment to scale circular economy systems and enterprise development.

He has experience across government and industry, including roles within the Western Cape Government (Green Economy Unit and Waste Policy & Minimization), and within a national Producer Responsibility Organization, where he managed a national portfolio of recycling and SMME support initiatives.

His work has been internationally recognized, with awards including World Economic Forum UpLink Top Innovator, World Policy Forum Top 50 Young Global Changers, National Youth Development Agency Youth Trailblazer of the Year, and News24 Top 100 Young Mandelas. He is also the founder of internationally recognized NGOs focused on youth development and community-based sustainability.

Etienne holds an MPhil in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University. His research, titled “Creating safe spaces for transformation with Place-Based Education on the Cape Flats,” explores the role of place-based learning in supporting youth development in marginalized communities.