Policy Note: Introducing the Continental Strategy for the Control & Mitigating the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Aquatic Biodiversity & Environment in Africa

Plastic pollution poses an urgent and escalating threat to Africa’s aquatic ecosystems, undermining biodiversity, human health, and economic stability. Each year, the continent generates approximately 17 million tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste (Lebreton, 2019). If unaddressed, current trends suggest that by 2050, the oceans could contain more plastic than fish by weight, with dire consequences for both nature and people. Plastics now comprise over 90% of floating ocean debris, often laced with toxic additives that threaten food safety, human health, and ecosystem integrity. From freshwater lakes to marine environments, Africa’s rivers and coasts—rich in biodiversity and supporting millions of livelihoods—are increasingly contaminated. For instance, microplastics have been found in 100% of surface water samples from Lake Victoria, which sustains over 40 million people (Egessa, 2020).