Diplomats, Representatives from UNEP, journalists for Human Rights, Civil Society, and Students during the Bamako Convention Dialogue./Photo ; Courtesy
Africa has long been at the receiving end of hazardous and radioactive waste, with illegal dumping threatening communities, ecosystems, and public health.
Global frameworks exist to regulate such waste, but enforcement has often been weak, leaving the continent vulnerable.
Across Africa, research, advocacy, and youth-led initiatives are transforming the Bamako Convention of 1991, the continent’s key agreement against hazardous waste, into practical measures that protect communities and ecosystems.
Youth Leadership Driving Environmental Solutions
At the forefront of turning the Bamako Convention into tangible action are students and young researchers.
Eunice Wangari, a student at United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa), Vice Chair of the Environmental Club, and Program Coordinator for the SDG Olympiad, has been linking academic research, youth engagement, and practical environmental action.
“The Bamako Convention represents Africa’s strongest collective response to the illegal dumping of hazardous and radioactive waste,” Wangari said.
“Through research, field initiatives, and youth-led action, we are ensuring the Convention protects communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods.”
Wangari participated in multiple field research projects along Kenya’s coast aligned with SDG 14, Indicator 14.1.1b, monitoring marine pollution and coral health.
She also contributed to wetland conservation research in Kiambu County, which earned recognition at the SDG Olympiad in Geneva under the Restoration and Conservation of the Environment category.
These initiatives emphasize evidence-based approaches, data collection, and collaboration with local communities.
At the campus level, Wangari and the Environmental Club run awareness campaigns, organize recycling drives, and advocate for sustainable waste management policies within university eateries.
She stresses that engaging students in policy discussions, environmental governance, and project implementation strengthens youth voices and ensures that young people are active shapers of Africa’s sustainability future.
Dialogue to Strengthen Regional Action
On 7th January, the Bamako Convention Secretariat at UNEP, in partnership with Journalist for Human Rights (JHR) and USIU, held a dialogue on the Regional Clearing-House Mechanism under the Bamako Convention.
The event brought together diplomats, youth, civil society organizations, technical experts, academia, and media professionals, alongside ongoing student and research activities at USIU-Africa.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share perspectives on hazardous waste governance and regional cooperation.
Among the experts present, Dr. Geoffrey Serede, Dean of the School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts at USIU-Africa, highlighted the critical role of media and storytelling in ensuring the Convention’s objectives reach communities and are understood beyond legal frameworks.
Dr. Serede observed that environmental journalism remains a gap in African newsrooms, with many journalists struggling to report complex scientific and policy issues such as hazardous waste management.
This weakens public awareness and accountability key pillars for enforcing the Convention.
He also highlighted Africa’s position at the bottom of the global waste chain, where hazardous and electronic waste generated in the Global North often ends up on the continent. Such inequities make African-led frameworks like the Bamako Convention even more essential.
With media consumption shifting from traditional platforms, Dr. Serede called for multimedia journalism, film, animation, and digital storytelling to ensure the Convention’s goals resonate with younger, digitally connected audiences.
He noted that universities can support the Convention through journalist training, research, and innovation hubs that promote accurate information and evidence-based reporting.
Regional and National Commitments
Somalia is in the final stages of ratifying the Bamako Convention, taking steps to strengthen chemical safety, environmental governance, and protection against hazardous waste dumping.
Bushra Ahmed Abdi, Senior Advisor to the Somali Ambassador on the African Union, UNEP, and UN-Habitat, emphasized the country’s multi-layered approach.
“Somalia has historically been targeted as a destination for hazardous waste, facing illegal dumping and health crises,” she said.
“Ratifying the Bamako Convention is a critical step to safeguard our communities, coastline, and national development.”
Somalia’s reforms are anchored in its National Transformation Plan (2025–2029) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), integrating climate action, chemical safety, and waste management into national priorities.
Cities are implementing bylaws on biomedical and solid waste management, with support from partners including UN-Habitat.
Abdi emphasized that the Regional Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) will enable Somalia to share and verify data instantly with other countries, improving transparency and fostering regional cooperation.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment through Lavie Mutanganshuro, Communications Officer at the Rwanda High Commission and USIU-Africa alumnus.
He highlighted Rwanda’s journey from signing the Convention in 1991 to ratifying it in 2018 and outlined comprehensive legislation and regulations that guide hazardous waste collection, transport, and treatment, including criminal penalties for illegal activities.
Mutanganshuro emphasized that Rwanda uses the Convention as a tool for regional collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing, preventing cross-border illegal waste movement and strengthening domestic systems.
The Clearing-House Mechanism: Bridging Knowledge and Action
Kasidhi described the platform as a digital tool that strengthens compliance and information sharing.
It allows State Parties to submit reports, monitor hazardous waste, and access best practices.
A key feature is the Transboundary Movement Notification system, which creates a clear digital trail for each shipment.
Kasidhi emphasized that the CHM is accessible to students, journalists, civil society, and other stakeholders, promoting public awareness and accountability.
To support users, the platform includes a call center feature, guiding users through reporting procedures and gathering feedback to improve usability.
“The goal of the CHM is to bring the Convention closer to people,” Kasidhi said.
“It allows knowledge sharing, evidence-based decision-making, and transparency that are essential for environmental protection. By opening the system to a wide range of stakeholders, the Bamako Convention becomes a living, actionable instrument.”
Connecting Policy to Communities
“The Bamako Convention is vital for African people. It is not just a legal agreement it affects individuals, communities, and young people across the continent,” he said.
“We chose USIU for this dialogue because it brings together students from over 70 countries and trains diplomats and professionals who serve in missions worldwide. The Convention, created by African states, bans the import of hazardous waste and guides responsible waste management to protect health, economies, and livelihoods. Sharing knowledge and innovations across countries from South Africa to Egypt, and Kenya to Nigeria is key to progress.”
Ogola highlighted the role of the CHM, which allows states and stakeholders to share verified information, learn from each other, and strengthen implementation.
He emphasized that civil society, academia, and youth play a critical role in ensuring the Convention remains a living tool that actively protects Africa and its people.
Turning Policy into Action
From youth-led research and advocacy to national reforms and digital innovation, African governments, students, and experts are working together to ensure that the Bamako Convention is more than an agreement on paper; it is a living instrument protecting communities, ecosystems, and Africa’s future.
