Eco-justice Ethiopia Hosts National Dialogue Bridging Global Plastic Treaty and Local Action Ahead of Ethiopia’s 2026 Single-Use Plastic Ban

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental and public health challenge in Ethiopia, clogging urban drainage systems, harming livestock, and contaminating water bodies. In response, the Government of Ethiopia ratified the Solid Waste Management and Disposal Proclamation No. 1383/2025 in June 2025. A cornerstone of this law is the full ban on the production, import, and distribution of single-use plastic bags, set to take effect in January 2026.
ADDIS ABABA, 31 December 2025 – Today, the Elilly International Hotel hosted a landmark stakeholder consultation workshop focused on the escalating crisis of plastic pollution and the implementation of Ethiopia's latest regulatory frameworks.
The workshop, titled "A Stakeholder Consultation on Plastic Pollution and Ethiopia’s New Regulatory Landscape," brought together government officials, environmental advocates, and private sector representatives to discuss the newly ratified Solid Waste Management and Disposal Proclamation (No. 1383/2025).
Key Highlights from the Workshop: The event was officially opened by Ato Nigussu Lema, Deputy Director General of the FDRE EPA, who delivered a powerful keynote on the necessity of a unified national front against plastic waste. He was joined by Mekbib Zerihun (CCC-E) and Eskedar Awgichew (Ecojustice Ethiopia) in welcoming the participants.
Technical presentations provided a roadmap for the future:
National Context: Wondwossen Tadesse Debelle (EPA) detailed the specific regulations regarding single-use plastics under the new proclamation.
Global Momentum: Eskedar Awgichew E. presented the timeline of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process, highlighting the path toward a legally binding global treaty.
Local Solutions: Elshaday Girma Berhanu Girma presented a "Plastic-Free Guide" tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities within Addis Ababa.
Voice from the Community During the plenary discussion, Gash Firew K. Mekonnen from Plogging Ethiopia shared a decade of community-led experience. He drew particular attention to the environmental threat posed by synthetic "Qetema" (plastic grass) now frequently used in cultural ceremonies, urging a return to natural, sustainable alternatives.
Closing Charge In his concluding remarks, Ato Nigussu Lema reminded attendees that the law is only the beginning. The real work lies in raising community awareness and transitioning Ethiopia toward a circular economy where plastic pollution is a thing of the past.
This event was organized by Eco-Justice Ethiopia in collaboration with Consortium for Climate Change Ethiopia (CCC-E)-E and the Environmental Protection Authority, FDRE.