Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia

Samuel Alemu Melese; Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah; Delelegn Gizaw Toga; Ermias Tesfaye

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia

Samuel Alemu Melese^*

, Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah

, Delelegn Gizaw Toga

, Ermias Tesfaye

Published in International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 11, Issue 4)

Received: 26 August 2026 Accepted: 10 September 2026 Published: 27 September 2026

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Abstract

The increasing generation of end-of-life vehicle lead-acid batteries (LABs) presents significant environmental and resource-management challenges, while also creating opportunities for circular economy (CE) implementation. Although LABs are highly recyclable, circular practices in developing countries remain constrained by economic, institutional, and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify suitable circular strategies for vehicle LABs in Ethiopia, determine the key factors influencing the adoption of circular business models (CBMs), and develop a context-specific CBM for extending battery value and reducing waste. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining expert interviews, thematic analysis, cost-benefit assessment, Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) analysis, and the Circular Business Model Canvas framework. Three circular strategies were identified as particularly relevant to the Ethiopian context: repair for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Analysis of 23 adoption factors using Grey-DEMATEL identified four critical factors with the greatest influence on CBM adoption: the lack of business models incorporating take-back systems, high costs of handling and processing, inadequate communication and coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient supportive government policies. Based on these findings, a Circular Business Model Canvas was developed to integrate repair, repurposing, and recycling strategies within the vehicle LAB value chain. The proposed model provides a context-specific framework for extending battery service life, recovering material value, reducing waste, and strengthening resource efficiency. The study contributes to the emerging literature on circular business models in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers, battery businesses, recyclers, and other stakeholders seeking to establish a more sustainable and circular vehicle battery system in Ethiopia.

Published in	International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 11, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
Page(s)	97-116
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Circular Strategies, Sustainability, Adoption Factors, Circular Economy, Circular Business Model, Lead-Acid Batteries, Vehicle Batteries, Take-Back Systems

References

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Melese, S. A., Abrah, S. W., Toga, D. G., Tesfaye, E. (2026). Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 11(4), 97-116. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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ACS Style

Melese, S. A.; Abrah, S. W.; Toga, D. G.; Tesfaye, E. Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2026, 11(4), 97-116. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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Melese SA, Abrah SW, Toga DG, Tesfaye E. Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2026;11(4):97-116. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11,
  author = {Samuel Alemu Melese and Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah and Delelegn Gizaw Toga and Ermias Tesfaye},
  title = {Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {11},
  number = {4},
  pages = {97-116},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  abstract = {The increasing generation of end-of-life vehicle lead-acid batteries (LABs) presents significant environmental and resource-management challenges, while also creating opportunities for circular economy (CE) implementation. Although LABs are highly recyclable, circular practices in developing countries remain constrained by economic, institutional, and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify suitable circular strategies for vehicle LABs in Ethiopia, determine the key factors influencing the adoption of circular business models (CBMs), and develop a context-specific CBM for extending battery value and reducing waste. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining expert interviews, thematic analysis, cost-benefit assessment, Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) analysis, and the Circular Business Model Canvas framework. Three circular strategies were identified as particularly relevant to the Ethiopian context: repair for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Analysis of 23 adoption factors using Grey-DEMATEL identified four critical factors with the greatest influence on CBM adoption: the lack of business models incorporating take-back systems, high costs of handling and processing, inadequate communication and coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient supportive government policies. Based on these findings, a Circular Business Model Canvas was developed to integrate repair, repurposing, and recycling strategies within the vehicle LAB value chain. The proposed model provides a context-specific framework for extending battery service life, recovering material value, reducing waste, and strengthening resource efficiency. The study contributes to the emerging literature on circular business models in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers, battery businesses, recyclers, and other stakeholders seeking to establish a more sustainable and circular vehicle battery system in Ethiopia.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia
AU  - Samuel Alemu Melese
AU  - Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah
AU  - Delelegn Gizaw Toga
AU  - Ermias Tesfaye
Y1  - 2026/09/27
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 97
EP  - 116
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
AB  - The increasing generation of end-of-life vehicle lead-acid batteries (LABs) presents significant environmental and resource-management challenges, while also creating opportunities for circular economy (CE) implementation. Although LABs are highly recyclable, circular practices in developing countries remain constrained by economic, institutional, and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify suitable circular strategies for vehicle LABs in Ethiopia, determine the key factors influencing the adoption of circular business models (CBMs), and develop a context-specific CBM for extending battery value and reducing waste. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining expert interviews, thematic analysis, cost-benefit assessment, Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) analysis, and the Circular Business Model Canvas framework. Three circular strategies were identified as particularly relevant to the Ethiopian context: repair for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Analysis of 23 adoption factors using Grey-DEMATEL identified four critical factors with the greatest influence on CBM adoption: the lack of business models incorporating take-back systems, high costs of handling and processing, inadequate communication and coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient supportive government policies. Based on these findings, a Circular Business Model Canvas was developed to integrate repair, repurposing, and recycling strategies within the vehicle LAB value chain. The proposed model provides a context-specific framework for extending battery service life, recovering material value, reducing waste, and strengthening resource efficiency. The study contributes to the emerging literature on circular business models in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers, battery businesses, recyclers, and other stakeholders seeking to establish a more sustainable and circular vehicle battery system in Ethiopia.
VL  - 11
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Samuel Alemu Melese

Mineral Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Mines, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0006-8922-4079
Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah

Mineral Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Mines, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4452-6447
Delelegn Gizaw Toga

Mineral Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Mines, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0003-1633-6369
Ermias Tesfaye

School of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology-AAU, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Melese, S. A., Abrah, S. W., Toga, D. G., Tesfaye, E. (2026). Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 11(4), 97-116. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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Melese, S. A.; Abrah, S. W.; Toga, D. G.; Tesfaye, E. Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2026, 11(4), 97-116. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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Melese SA, Abrah SW, Toga DG, Tesfaye E. Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2026;11(4):97-116. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11,
  author = {Samuel Alemu Melese and Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah and Delelegn Gizaw Toga and Ermias Tesfaye},
  title = {Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {11},
  number = {4},
  pages = {97-116},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20261104.11},
  abstract = {The increasing generation of end-of-life vehicle lead-acid batteries (LABs) presents significant environmental and resource-management challenges, while also creating opportunities for circular economy (CE) implementation. Although LABs are highly recyclable, circular practices in developing countries remain constrained by economic, institutional, and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify suitable circular strategies for vehicle LABs in Ethiopia, determine the key factors influencing the adoption of circular business models (CBMs), and develop a context-specific CBM for extending battery value and reducing waste. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining expert interviews, thematic analysis, cost-benefit assessment, Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) analysis, and the Circular Business Model Canvas framework. Three circular strategies were identified as particularly relevant to the Ethiopian context: repair for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Analysis of 23 adoption factors using Grey-DEMATEL identified four critical factors with the greatest influence on CBM adoption: the lack of business models incorporating take-back systems, high costs of handling and processing, inadequate communication and coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient supportive government policies. Based on these findings, a Circular Business Model Canvas was developed to integrate repair, repurposing, and recycling strategies within the vehicle LAB value chain. The proposed model provides a context-specific framework for extending battery service life, recovering material value, reducing waste, and strengthening resource efficiency. The study contributes to the emerging literature on circular business models in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers, battery businesses, recyclers, and other stakeholders seeking to establish a more sustainable and circular vehicle battery system in Ethiopia.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Circular Business Model for Vehicle Lead-Acid Batteries in Ethiopia
AU  - Samuel Alemu Melese
AU  - Seyidu Wohabrebi Abrah
AU  - Delelegn Gizaw Toga
AU  - Ermias Tesfaye
Y1  - 2026/09/27
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 97
EP  - 116
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20261104.11
AB  - The increasing generation of end-of-life vehicle lead-acid batteries (LABs) presents significant environmental and resource-management challenges, while also creating opportunities for circular economy (CE) implementation. Although LABs are highly recyclable, circular practices in developing countries remain constrained by economic, institutional, and organizational barriers. This study aims to identify suitable circular strategies for vehicle LABs in Ethiopia, determine the key factors influencing the adoption of circular business models (CBMs), and develop a context-specific CBM for extending battery value and reducing waste. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining expert interviews, thematic analysis, cost-benefit assessment, Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) analysis, and the Circular Business Model Canvas framework. Three circular strategies were identified as particularly relevant to the Ethiopian context: repair for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Analysis of 23 adoption factors using Grey-DEMATEL identified four critical factors with the greatest influence on CBM adoption: the lack of business models incorporating take-back systems, high costs of handling and processing, inadequate communication and coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient supportive government policies. Based on these findings, a Circular Business Model Canvas was developed to integrate repair, repurposing, and recycling strategies within the vehicle LAB value chain. The proposed model provides a context-specific framework for extending battery service life, recovering material value, reducing waste, and strengthening resource efficiency. The study contributes to the emerging literature on circular business models in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers, battery businesses, recyclers, and other stakeholders seeking to establish a more sustainable and circular vehicle battery system in Ethiopia.
VL  - 11
IS  - 4
ER  -

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