Bamako Convention Seen as Key to Strengthening Africa’s Fight Against Toxic Waste Dumping

 

Abuja, 1 June 2026— Environmental advocate Gilbert Kuepouo has called for wider adoption and stronger implementation of the Bamako Convention, saying the African-led treaty offers the continent its strongest legal protection against hazardous waste imports and environmental exploitation.

In an opinion article released for Africa Day, Kuepouo described Africa as a longstanding destination for hazardous chemicals, obsolete technologies, and waste exported from industrialized nations and emerging economies, a practice often called “toxic colonialism.” He cited recent incidents, including the dumping of Italian waste in Tunisia, as evidence that environmental and public health burdens continue to be shifted to African countries.

According to Kuepouo, while the global Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, it has significant limitations that reduce its effectiveness for developing nations. He noted that the Basel Ban Amendment, which bans exports of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries, is not binding on states that have not ratified it and does not cover several waste streams, including household waste, mixed plastics, and certain forms of electronic waste.

The advocate argued that the Bamako Convention, which entered into force in 1998, provides stronger safeguards. Created by African countries to address the continent’s specific concerns, the treaty bans the import of hazardous waste into Africa and imposes stricter controls on harmful substances than the Basel Convention.

Kuepouo highlighted key differences between the two agreements. Under Bamako, waste is classified as hazardous if it contains listed hazardous substances or exhibits hazardous characteristics. Basel requires both conditions. Bamako also treats chemicals banned or severely restricted anywhere in the world as hazardous waste, regardless of whether they have become waste.

He added that the treaty uniquely classifies nuclear waste, household waste, and incinerator ash as hazardous, and explicitly bans both the import of hazardous waste into Africa and ocean dumping in waters under African jurisdiction.

Describing the convention as an “African dam regulation,” Kuepouo said it acts as a barrier against dangerous waste and toxic technologies. He argued it could play a vital role in blocking exports of plastic waste, electronic waste, waste incineration projects, and controversial chemical recycling technologies to African countries.

Despite having legal force in several states, Kuepouo said the Bamako Convention remains underutilized. Only 29 African countries have ratified it, leaving 25, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, yet to become parties.

He also identified inadequate funding and weak institutional support as major obstacles to full implementation. Sustained financing, he said, is needed for effective operations, regular meetings of member states, and stronger enforcement.

Kuepouo welcomed recent efforts by African environmental bodies and international organizations to strengthen the convention. He referenced decisions by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, AMCEN, and discussions at the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm, BRS, Conventions Conference of the Parties, which have encouraged greater cooperation and support for the Bamako framework.

He urged African governments, the African Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, the Global Environment Facility, GEF, and other stakeholders to accelerate ratification and provide the institutional backing needed to make the convention fully operational.

“The most important job is finished, we have a convention,” he stated. “It is now our time to breathe life into it so it can fulfil its promise of protecting Africa, now and for future generations.”

The Bamako Convention remains one of Africa’s most significant environmental agreements, designed to shield the continent from hazardous waste imports and promote environmental justice across the region.