Nigeria

Innovation beyond high-tech: Traceability for resilience and fair trade in the Global South

As commodity‑reliant economies face growing demand for environmental and labour accountability, SMEs are combining traditional practices with adapted traceability solutions that fit local realities, helping them meet global trade rules, strengthen market access and protect livelihoods. At a tannery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian and Indian project researchers are testing enzyme-based methods to replace harmful chemicals

Plastic substitution in developing countries: Sectoral opportunities and challenges

Plastic substitution in developing countries Sectoral opportunities and challenges Plastic pollution poses significant threats to environmental health, human well-being, and economic stability. Emerging research has detected microplastics in human blood and brain tissues, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects. Despite numerous international initiatives aimed at governing plastic use, critical issues persist, primarily due to

Plastics reduction and management: Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa

Plastics reduction and management Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa The issue of plastic pollution in East and West Africa is transboundary in nature, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration at national, regional, and international levels. To effectively tackle this crisis, comprehensive policies and coordinated bans such

Making policy work for Africa’s circular plastics economy

Making policy work for Africa’s circular plastics economy Developed under the SMEP-funded GIVO-Warwick project, lead by the University of Warwick, the below perspectives paper discusses how policy changes can drive circular plastics economy in African countries, with examples from Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia. The African continent faces unique challenges in the context of the increasing

Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Human Health

This study used empirical evidence from
projects in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya which are part of the SMEP programme plastic portfolio, to analyse the role of their plastic recycling and upcycling systems and estimate reductions in human health impacts.

Opportunities for Plastic Substitution in Critical Economic Sectors of Developing Countries

This is a summary of a longer report exploring potential alternatives to conventional plastics in three sectors central to the economies of many developing nations: food export packaging, fishing gear, and agricultural applications.

Plastics Management and Recycling amid Global Governance Change

Using a mixed method approach, this report examines the plastic portfolio intervention projects under the SMEP Programme, identifies lessons learned from the contextual and policy environment in which they operate as well as documents their business ecosystems, through which their social and environmental impact can be better understood.

Plastic Reduction and Management: Summary of Recommendations

This report addresses the critical need for comprehensive and effective strategies to combat the plastic pollution crisis in East and West Africa, with a particular focus on Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. It is an extract of the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS) report of the same title, providing policy and standards recommendations from the full

Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme