National Plastic Waste Management Strategy and Roadmap (2024-2034).

Ethiopia’s National Plastic Waste Management Strategy and Roadmap (2024–2034) establishes a long-term framework to combat plastic pollution through a circular economy approach. Adopted in May 2024, the strategy prioritizes the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—while aligning with national development agendas such as the Climate-Resilient Green Economy initiative and the Ten-Year Development Plan. Its vision is to achieve enhanced circularity in plastic use by 2034 through resource efficiency, stakeholder collaboration, and environmentally sound management across all regions. The roadmap sets phased targets: short-term actions (2024–2026) focus on mapping waste hotspots and strengthening collection systems; medium-term (2027–2030) expands recycling infrastructure; and long-term (2031–2034) promotes innovation and alternatives to conventional plastics. Key measures include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), regulations for recycled PET, bans on single-use plastics, and incentives for sustainable production. Addressing Ethiopia’s annual 380,000 tons of plastic waste—of which only 6% is recycled—the strategy introduces data-driven monitoring and compliance mechanisms to mitigate environmental and health risks. By closing regulatory gaps and fostering multisectoral coordination, the roadmap provides a structured pathway toward zero-waste progress and sustainable plastic management.