Trade Processes for Waste and Recyclables: Addressing Plastic Waste in Africa 

The ACEN Foundation (ACENF), in collaboration with GIZ and Trinomics, is spearheading a project to address the trade of plastic waste, one of the most challenging waste streams in Africa. This initiative focuses on investigating the trade and shipment of plastic waste in Tunisia and Ghana, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues and opportunities in this sector. 

Project Overview 

The project, conducted from January 2022 to March 2022, focuses on the trade processes for plastic waste in Africa. With a dedicated team of experts, the project aims to explore the complexities of plastic waste shipment and identify measures to improve the management and regulation of this waste stream. 

Objectives and Goals 

The primary objectives of the project are to: 

• Investigate the trade and shipment of plastic waste in Tunisia and Ghana. 

• Provide a summary of relevant legislation and the issues influencing plastic waste shipment. 

• Investigate illegal plastic waste shipping to Africa. 

• Explore capacity-building measures in both countries to enhance waste management practices. 

Methodology 

To achieve these objectives, the project employed a multi-faceted approach, including: 

• Desk Research: Conducting thorough research to gather relevant data and insights. 

• Interviews with Stakeholders: Engaging with key stakeholders to gather insights and develop actionable recommendations. 

• Legislation Summary: Providing a comprehensive summary of relevant legislation and its impact on plastic waste shipment. 

• Capacity Building: Exploring measures to build capacity in Tunisia and Ghana for better waste management practices. 

Impact and Future Prospects 

The successful implementation of this project promises to pave the way for improved management of plastic waste in Africa. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in the trade and shipment of plastic waste, this initiative aims to foster sustainable waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. 

Join us in supporting this important initiative and be part of a global movement towards sustainable waste management. 

The bigger picture

This capacity-needs assessment on trade processes for waste and recyclables was carried out by Trinomics with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN Foundation), with the executive summary authored by GIZ. It set out the context for waste management and waste trade in Africa, the international policy framework — including the role of customs — and two country cases, finding that countries such as Ghana and Tunisia are at high risk of being targeted for the dumping of hazardous waste. Reforms to HS customs codes, rising political attention and the review of the EU Waste Shipment Regulation all offer entry points for the capacity building needed to deter such trade.

References & further reading

• PREVENT Waste Alliance — Trade processes for waste and recyclables: a capacity needs assessment.
• OECD — Monitoring trade in plastic waste and scrap.
• MDPI (IJERPH) — Circular Economy and the Changing Geography of International Trade in Plastic Waste.