By Abdullahi Lukman
As negotiations intensify toward a binding global plastics treaty, African civil society organisations are calling for ambitious action to address the continent’s growing plastic pollution crisis.
In an online media briefing hosted by GAIA Africa on July 24, ahead of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), campaigners urged African leaders to maintain unity and push for a treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal.
The briefing brought together journalists from across Africa to highlight the continent’s key priorities and the role of the media in amplifying advocacy ahead of INC-5.2, scheduled for August.
Africa has played a leading role in the treaty process, beginning with the adoption of AMCEN Decision 19/2, a mandate that established a unified negotiating position through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN).
“We have the evidence. We have the momentum. What we’re missing is the commitment to act,” said Merrisa Naidoo, GAIA Africa’s Plastics Programme Manager.
She called on governments to approach the negotiations with courage and integrity, warning that the process is being held back by political hesitation and a lack of good faith.
Civil society representatives from six countries—South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya—shared firsthand experiences of plastic-related harm and outlined key demands.
These included the elimination of toxic chemicals in plastic products, reduced plastic production, the creation of a robust financial mechanism to support African countries, and stronger environmental protections.
“In Ethiopia, we’re seeing a surge in petrochemical infrastructure linked to plastic production, but with little oversight,” said Eskedar Awgichew of EcoJustice Ethiopia.
“Communities are exposed to environmental harm without adequate protection. This is where justice must begin.”
Mohamed Kamal of the Greenish Foundation in Egypt echoed this sentiment, arguing that waste management alone cannot address the problem.
“We have to tackle plastic pollution at the source—at the production level,” he said.
In South Africa, groundWork’s Rico Euripidou raised concerns about the 16,000 chemicals found in plastics, many of which are harmful.
“We need a treaty that eliminates the most toxic substances,” he said.
Other speakers underscored the treaty’s significance for human health and rights. Dorothy Otieno of CEJAD Kenya cited research showing toxic chemicals in children’s toys and food packaging, while Sarah Onuoha of SRADeV Nigeria emphasised the link between plastic pollution, poverty, and livelihoods.
“As journalists, you play a critical role in advocating for environmental justice,” Onuoha told the media. “Your work can drive public awareness and hold governments accountable.”
Jacob Johnson Attakpah from GAYO Ghana highlighted Africa’s financial constraints and the urgent need for a dedicated Multilateral Fund to support treaty implementation.
“Debt-burdened countries like ours need financial support to enact real change,” he said.
The call for inclusive and transparent negotiations was reinforced by Nadine Wahab of Sustainable Network Egypt.
She warned against procedural loopholes that have undermined ambition in other environmental forums, such as the climate negotiations. “We need to restore trust in multilateralism,” she said.
As INC-5.2 approaches, African civil society is urging negotiators to remain steadfast, act with urgency, and reject any treaty that prioritises profit over people and the planet.
For a continent already grappling with the health, environmental, and economic consequences of plastic pollution, the stakes are high—and the time to act is now.
