Prevention of Marine Litter on the Gulf of Guinea PROTEGO strengthens circular systems in Ghana and Nigeria
Grantee(s)
adelphi research gGmbH
Objectives
- Develop a data basis and monitoring systems to identify waste hotspots and measure waste streams
- Strengthen the waste management infrastructure and waste management as well as circular economy policies
- Promote circular economy pilot projects with potential for replication in West Africa
Duration
2024-07-01 till 2027-06-30
Location
Ghana, Nigeria (Golf of Guinea)
Funding Amount
3,401,541.33 €
Project partner(s)
- Environmental Protection Agency Ghana (EPA)
- Ghana Cleaner Production Center (GNCPC)
- Plastic Punch (PP)
- Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC)
- WASTE Africa
Copyright: iStock/mujibwaziri
Reduction of marine litter: what are the specific challenges in West Africa?
The West African countries of Ghana and Nigeria are located on the Gulf of Guinea. Economic growth, population increase, and changing consumption patterns are shaping the waste management landscape in both nations: growing volumes of waste are straining already overburdened waste management systems—especially when it comes to plastic waste. In Ghana, only a small fraction of daily waste is collected and properly disposed of. Approximately 1.1 million tons of plastic waste are generated in Ghana each year, of which only 5% is collected for recycling.
In Nigeria, the waste management situation is similar. In Nigeria’s capital, Lagos, alone, 2,250 tons of plastic waste are generated daily, and each year, about 200,000 tons of plastic waste from the Nigerian mainland end up in the Atlantic Ocean. Inadequate waste management systems contribute to large amounts of plastic waste entering the seas through riverbanks and the Niger Delta. The waste washed ashore on the beaches of both countries largely consists of single-use food packaging, plastic bottles, sachets, and plastic bags.
At the same time, both countries are making concerted efforts to advance waste and circular economy practices. These efforts include political regulations, approaches to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the development of innovative plastic management solutions.
How does the project contribute to reducing marine litter?
The overarching aim of the project is to significantly and sustainably reduce land-based marine litter generation from rivers and the ocean in Nigeria and Ghana. To achieve this, the project adopts a comprehensive waste and circular economy strategy that includes technical, policy-driven, and awareness-raising measures, as well as capacity building. First, reliable data and monitoring systems on waste flows and marine litter hotspots are being established, allowing for accurate tracking and assessment of waste volumes. Building on this foundation, the waste management infrastructure — particularly waste collection and recycling — in partner countries will be further developed.
Moreover, the enforcement of existing waste management regulations will be strengthened, including policies on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Project approaches also encompass replicable, circular, entrepreneurial, and innovative pilot solutions, along with consumer education and awareness campaigns. To ensure the project’s reach and long-lasting impact, its framework explicitly involves diverse stakeholders, including private companies, civil society, and especially the informal waste management sector.