SMEP INTERVENTION AREAS
The programme encompasses five portfolios of grant projects covering the Plastics, Organic Waste and Water, Used Lead Acid Batteries, Textiles and Tanneries sectors. These were identified as high contributors to manufacturing pollution through initial scoping studies.
SMEP has identified Water and Oceans (through land-to-sea pollution pathways) and the Circular Bio-economy as two key cross-cutting focus areas. The PMA and UNCTAD organise and prioritise ongoing and planned activities under these themes, ensuring greater impact across SMEP’s workstreams.
Water and Oceans: This theme spans all SMEP portfolios and targets the reduction of industrial pollution entering rivers, lakes, and oceans—primarily from land-based sources. By promoting cleaner production, better waste management, material substitution, and effective effluent treatment, SMEP aims to protect aquatic ecosystems, safeguard livelihoods, and improve public health in vulnerable communities.
Circular economy & bioeconomy: SMEP is piloting several projects that demonstrate circularity, dealing with both organic and inorganic materials. Circular bio-economy encourages lower dependence on fossil-based materials, turning waste into value and promoting efficient use of resources. This includes capuring and reusing industrial by-products, supporting organic and biomass waste valourisation practices, and developing closed-loop systems for plastics waste management.
The SMEP Theory of Change is based on the belief that declining environmental and human health challenges associated to manufacturing and plastic pollution can be addressed through technology-based and circular solutions, and associated policy changes. By doing this, the Programme aims to generate knowledge and technical advice for partner governments; create a business case for adoption ad replication of solutions; and promote an enabling environment for scaling, which will ultimately lead to reduced manufacturing pollution and associated human health impacts.
FOCUS COUNTRIES
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
For more information:
Sub-Saharan Africa Fact Sheet
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Pakistan
For more information:
South Asia Fact Sheet
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