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The Conversation
The Conversation
Science
Seun Kolade, Associate professor, De Montfort University

African digital innovators are turning plastic waste into value -- but there are gaps

Plastic waste in Kampala, Uganda. Omer Faruk Ozbil/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Plastic pollution is a growing global menace. Between 2010 and 2020, the global production of plastics increased from 270 million tonnes to 367 million tonnes. Every year, more than 12 million tonnes of plastics end up in the world’s oceans, with severe consequences for marine life. When macro plastics degrade into micro-plastics, they easily contaminate the food chain and pose significant threats to human health via inhalation and ingestion.

By 2030, plastic waste is expected to double to 165 million tonnes in African countries. Most of this will be in Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

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