Greenpeace estimates that 34 out of 54 countries in Africa have implemented laws and made ordinances that prohibit or compel minimal use of non-recyclable plastic.
The bans involve plastic bags, thin plastic and non-biodegradable plastic. Other relative legislation targets the abolition of plastic sachets and bottles.
The shift to non-plastic and recyclable products has created an opportunity for domestic startups and enterprises to make money from recycling and to put existing plastic waste to good use.
Eritrea was the first African country to outlaw plastic bags, in 2005, according to Greenpeace. Other African countries followed suit.
Steven Umidha is a data and financial journalist with over 15 years of work experience in journalism and communication.
He specialises in finance and economics reporting as well as on the causes, impacts, and solutions of global warming, conservation, pollution and sustainability, often blending scientific literacy with journalist ethics, while involving policy analysis and multimedia storytelling across various platforms in highlighting issues from biodiversity loss to ecological justice.
He is the founder of Financial Fortune Media, and a Co-founder of One Planet Agency (OPA). He has previously worked with the Standard Media Group, Mediamax Networks LTD, bird story agency, Business Journal Africa, and Financial Post among other outlets.
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