The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a groundbreaking initiative to combat the threat posed by hazardous chemicals in 11 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) across Africa.
In a statement released on Saturday, the AfDB outlined its plan to address Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and mercury through a project titled ‘Scaling-up Investment and Technology Transfer to Facilitate Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for the Implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions in African LDCs – Phase 2’ (AFLDC-2).
This initiative will focus on improving the management of chemicals and waste in Angola, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
Funded by a $21.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-financed by AfDB-supported projects in urban, agricultural, and agro-industrial sectors, the AFLDC-2 project is the first of its kind for the AfDB.
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The project will adopt a multistakeholder approach to address key challenges such as weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and limited enforcement capacity in these nations.
“The chemicals involved, including pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury from products like batteries and dental fillings, pose significant health and environmental risks,” the statement noted.
The AFLDC-2 project aligns with international agreements such as the Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata, and Basel Conventions. Its objectives include strengthening national capacities, promoting environmentally sound practices, and implementing circular economy approaches to minimize toxic emissions and manage waste pollution at the source.
AfDB Manager for Climate and Environment Finance, Gareth Phillips, described the project as transformative, stating:
“The AFLDC-2 project marks a pivotal milestone in Africa’s efforts to tackle the challenges of hazardous chemicals and waste. We are proud to set this precedent, and we are optimistic it will pave the way for many more similar initiatives.”
Expected outcomes include significant public health and environmental benefits, as well as support for participating countries in fulfilling their commitments under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions. This initiative represents a critical step forward in sustainable chemical management on the continent.
