The ban of single-use plastics is sweeping our nations. Many are surprised to find that Africa is leading our planet in the eradication of single-use plastic bags. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 34 out of 54 African countries have banned single-use plastic bags; this is closely followed by 29 out of 44 countries in Europe with a ban.

Why have so many African countries taken action?

If you have ever visited an African country, you will understand how apparent their need for action is. This is due to their countries not having the same recycling and waste-collection luxuries that more developed ones have. Sadly, South Africa is so littered with plastic bags that people often joke that they are the “new national flower”.

Some countries have only implemented a plastic bag levy, such as South Africa’s introduction of this in 2004. A downside of a plastic bag levy is that many retailers charge more than the standard amount, making a profit from the selling of plastic bags.

How are the bans being executed?

Although many bans have been implemented, not all are enforced. Some countries have found it difficult to keep on top of the ban or take action against those defying it.

Some countries have very harsh penalties, such as Kenya’s 2017 ban implementing fines of up to $38,000 or four years’ imprisonment. Other countries have less harsh results, such as in Cameroon, where their law mainly targets small consumers and business owners and the penalty is a fine of $30 or several weeks in jail.

After years of discussion and attempts, on 1^st June 2019, Tanzania became the most recent African country to ban single-use plastic bags. It is one of the first countries in the world to bring this ban into play at their borders and airports for access to be granted into their country.

Have the bans had an effect?

Most countries have only brought about the ban in the last five years; therefore, it is too soon to get a full idea of whether these bans have been effective.

Rwanda brought in their ban in 2008 and is considered one of the most advanced African countries in fighting against plastic pollution. Ten years later and their city, Kigali, is considered worldwide as one of the cleanest cities. This implies that these bans are effective and should in time lower the continent’s plastic pollution.

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I wrote this article in November 2019 for a Journalistic Research module as part of a writing portfolio. The theme surrounding this piece was single-use plastics.