Tanzania

Tanzania has been addressing plastic pollution since its 2019 ban on single-use plastic bags, and is continuing to work towards a clean environment free from plastic pollution.

Challenges and Opportunities

Tanzania faces significant challenges with plastic pollution, particularly along its coastline, where plastic waste threatens marine life, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods. With only about 34% plastic waste collected for proper disposal, the remaining plastic is mismanaged and is leading to leakage into oceans, rivers, and lakes. This mismanagement results adversely affects marine biodiversity and the livelihoods dependent on these resources.

 

However, Tanzania has already been taking steps to address plastic pollution, including banning single-use plastic bags in 2019 and implementing various waste management programs in urban areas. Additionally, the country is working on policies to enhance recycling and waste disposal practices, while local communities and businesses are beginning to adopt more sustainable practices to reduce plastic waste.

We need a planet earth which is clear of hazardous plastic waste.

H.E Dr. Philip Mpango

Vice President of Tanzania  

Tanzania joins the Global Plastic Action Partnership

The Tanzania National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), established in August 2024, represents a significant step toward addressing plastic waste and its environmental impact. This partnership will enable Tanzania to implement innovative solutions tailored to its specific challenges, involving key stakeholders across the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities to create a circular economy for plastics. 


The establishment of the NPAP is particularly critical for protecting Tanzania’s marine environment, which faces mounting pressures from plastic waste that threatens marine life, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods. Tanzania’s coastline along the Indian Ocean is home to diverse marine species and supports essential economic activities, including tourism and fishing.  

The National Plastic Action Partnership Tanzania

NPAP Tanzania is a multi-stakeholder initiative established through a partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership. 

It provides a collaborative and neutral platform to unite stakeholders from government, business, academia, international organizations, and civil society to accelerate the country’s transition toward a circular plastics economy and reduce plastic pollution. 

By fostering knowledge exchange, promoting inclusive solutions, and driving impactful policies, NPAP Tanzania ensures that the transition benefits all and leaves no one behind.

Governance: The Steering Committee

As NPAP Tanzania advances its implementation in 2025, it has established a strong and inclusive governance structure. The Steering Committee, the platform’s highest decision-making body, provides strategic guidance and reviews progress to ensure transparent and inclusive action. Comprising 19 organizations, it brings together government, business, civil society, and international partners.

Government
  • Vice President’s Office (VPO) 
  • National Environment Management Council (NEMC) Tanzania 
  • Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) Tanzania 
  • Ministry of Health, Tanzania 
  • Ministry of Finance, Tanzania 
  • Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) 
  • President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Tanzania
Private Sector
  • Coca-Cola Kwanza Limited 
  • Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) 
  • CRDB Bank Public Limited Company (CRDB PLC)
  • PETPRO Tanzania
  • Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) 
International Organizations
  • Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) 
  • Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Tanzania 
  • European Union to Tanzania (EU Tanzania)
Civil Society
  • Tanzania Recyclers Association (TARA) 
  • Media Council of Tanzania (MCT)

Multi-stakeholder Engagement

NPAP Tanzania brings together diverse stakeholders through two dedicated task forces: the Metrics Advisory Group and the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Task Force.

Together, these groups provide technical guidance for the National Roadmap and the GESI Report, ensuring that solutions to plastic pollution are both data-driven and inclusive.

Metrics 
Task Force

A technical group of local experts from 54 organizations, providing insights into Tanzania’s plastic ecosystem and reviewing data to model the status of plastic waste.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Task Force 

A social focus group that contributes to the GESI Report, offering perspectives on the realities of marginalized groups and ensuring solutions are inclusive and representative of those most affected by plastic pollution. 

NPAP Tanzania Secretariat

The NPAP Tanzania Secretariat is hosted by the UNDP Tanzania, in partnership with the Global Plastic Action Partnership of the World Economic Forum.

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