The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has urged African governments to reject global efforts aimed at cutting single-use plastics production, warning such measures could cripple the continent’s petrochemical industry. As diplomats meet in Switzerland to discuss a potential plastics treaty, the South Africa-based group argues such measures would undermine Africa’s energy and industrial growth, particularly in countries like Angola, Gabon, Ghana, and Senegal, where major oil and gas projects are underway. The AEC insists that national priorities should outweigh “external environmental agendas” that conflict with Africa’s development needs. This stance comes despite some nations, such as Nigeria—Africa’s largest oil producer—already taking steps, including banning single-use plastics in government facilities.
SEMAFOR
