A two-day seminar on plastic pollution wrapped up on October 3, 2026, at Togo's National Assembly in Lomé. Organized by the Togolese Parliament with support from the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), the event brought together national and senate members, local government representatives, civil society groups, ministry officials, and experts. Discussions centered on challenges related to plastic waste management and strengthening the national legal framework.
The seminar examined issues like regulating single-use plastics, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and financial instruments for transitioning to a circular economy. Participants emphasized defining which plastic products would be banned or restricted while considering essential uses in certain sectors. They also stressed the need for producers and importers to contribute to managing waste from their products.
Deputy Stella Dadieba Bagnah-Gamon noted that the seminar helped participants understand the multifaceted nature of plastic waste, including its health, agricultural, and financial implications. She highlighted economic opportunities from developing waste valorization channels. Alioune Dramé, an APF advisor, praised Togolese parliamentarians' engagement and called for coordination among stakeholders to address plastic pollution sustainably.
In his closing speech, Second Vice-President of the National Assembly Richard Gbalgueboa Kangbeni stated that the seminar allowed for comparisons between Togo's realities and international experiences. He emphasized enforcing existing laws, gathering reliable data, and clarifying responsibilities among stakeholders.
The seminar's outcomes will inform a roadmap for the next stage of the legislative process, aiming for a coherent and applicable framework tailored to Togo's context. Key points from the discussions include defining banned products, implementing EPR, and establishing financial mechanisms.
The event enhanced parliamentarians' understanding of plastic pollution challenges and identified concrete solutions for updating the national legislative framework. Participants acknowledged the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in addressing the issue.
The National Assembly expressed gratitude to the APF, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), experts, and participants for their contributions. The seminar's conclusions will guide future efforts to combat plastic pollution in Togo.
Key points
- Togo's parliamentarians agree on priorities for addressing plastic pollution through legislative action.
- The seminar focused on Extended Producer Responsibility and financial mechanisms for a circular economy.
- The outcomes will inform a roadmap for updating Togo's legislative framework on plastic pollution.
