The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has introduced a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of hazardous chemicals in 11 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) across Africa.
In a statement released on Saturday, the AfDB announced the commencement of the second phase of its 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 ambitious initiative focuses on tackling hazardous chemicals, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and mercury, while improving waste and chemicals management systems in participating countries.
The initiative involves Angola, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. It is supported by a $21.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), complemented by co-financing from AfDB-backed urban, agricultural, and agro-industrial projects in these nations.
The AfDB emphasised the project’s multi-stakeholder approach to overcoming challenges such as weak regulatory frameworks, poor waste management infrastructure, and limited enforcement capabilities.
Hazardous chemicals like pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury from products such as batteries and dental fillings pose significant risks to public health and the environment.
By aligning with international conventions, including the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, the project seeks to strengthen national capacities, promote environmentally sound practices, and implement circular economy models to mitigate toxic emissions and waste pollution at the source.
Gareth Phillips, AfDB Manager for Climate and Environment Finance, described the AFLDC-2 project as a game-changer for sustainable chemicals management on the continent.
The project aims to deliver measurable benefits in public health and environmental safety while helping participating countries meet their obligations under global environmental treaties.
This initiative complements the AfDB’s wider efforts to enhance infrastructure and economic integration across Africa.
Recently, the bank renewed its partnership with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to strengthen national procurement systems and support infrastructure development.
