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 as the proposed East African Community Single-Use Plastics Bill and the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (Global Plastics Treaty) can be supported by the establishment of harmonised standards for the design, production, and disposal of plastics.

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. These countries, as many others in the world, are grappling with inadequate waste management systems and the overwhelming presence of plastic waste in their environments. The report emphasises the importance of integrating international policies and standards with national and regional frameworks to support the transition to a circular plastics economy.

This report was produced in cooperation with the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS). For more information: https://ecostandard.org/