A recent analysis shows a surge in plastic waste in Africa, surpassing all other regions.
The charity Tearfund reports that, at current rates, enough plastic waste to blanket a football field is openly discarded in sub-Saharan Africa every minute.
Plastic waste projected to spike
Projections suggest the region could accumulate a staggering 116 million tonnes of plastic waste annually by 2060, a sixfold increase from the 18 million tonnes produced in 2019.
Tearfund’s Senior Economist, Rich Gower, emphasizes the urgency of substantial reductions in plastic production and highlights waste pickers’ pivotal role in collecting 60% of globally recycled plastic.
Driving force behind plastic pollution
The driving force behind this surge is the escalating demand for vehicles and other products in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of the population is under 30.
The region’s plastic consumption is on track to nearly triple by 2060, presenting a severe environmental challenge.
