The African Development Bank has wrapped up a two-day virtual workshop on implementing a regional initiative to help least developed countries in Africa better manage hazardous chemicals and waste, with backing from the Global Environment Facility.
The initiative, known as AFLDC-2, was approved by the Bank's Board of Directors in December 2024 to strengthen national and regional capacities to eliminate, reduce, and control sources of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury, while promoting circular economy solutions in Africa.
The September 29-30 workshop marked the start of the project's implementation phase, targeting 11 countries: Angola, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. Participants included government officials, environmental experts and representatives from civil society and the private sector across the continent.
In his opening remarks, Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre at the Bank, noted that the project aligns with the Bank Group's broader development goals, including the vision of its new president to mobilize investments, formalize the informal sector, strengthen climate resilience and improve management of natural resources.
"Most importantly, it will provide valuable lessons learned on how to systematically protect Africa's natural resources from chemical and waste pollution," he said.
The programme builds on a previous phase and represents part of broader efforts under international conventions, including the Basel, Stockholm, and Minamata agreements on hazardous waste and chemicals management.
Gareth Phillips, Division Manager for Environment and Climate at the Bank, emphasized the significance of AFLDC-2: "Owing to limited regulatory frameworks, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and insufficient enforcement capacities, African LDCs grapple with the accumulation of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and pollutants from open burning of waste."
Participants agreed on the next steps for project implementation, including disbursement procedures, establishing national and regional steering committees and preparing for an in-person project launch.
