African Energy Chamber Warns: Proposed Treaty on Plastics Threatens Africa’s Oil, Gas, and Industrial Growth
– The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has issued a strong warning against the proposed Treaty on Plastics currently under negotiation at the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva.
With over 170 nations in attendance, the treaty seeks to establish a legally binding framework to reduce plastic production, including single-use plastics.
According to the AEC, if adopted, the treaty would severely undermine Africa’s oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors — industries critical to the continent’s economic growth, industrialization, and energy security.
“Supporting this treaty would amount to shooting yourselves in the foot,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
“African nations must prioritize their energy and industrial needs over external environmental agendas that do not align with our developmental priorities.”
Economic Impact on Africa’s Energy Producers
The AEC warns that key African oil and gas producers — including Gabon, Ghana, Angola, Senegal, and Tanzania — would be disproportionately affected.
These countries are investing heavily in petrochemicals to drive job creation, industrialization, and domestic manufacturing.
Gabon: Developing the $2 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal (2026), Batanga LPG plant, and expanding the SOGARA refinery to 1.5 million tons by 2030.
Senegal: Advancing the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project (2.3 mtpa initial capacity) and Sangomar oilfield to bolster energy security and launch downstream petrochemical facilities.
Ghana: Pursuing a $12 billion petroleum hub in Jomoro, featuring three refineries, five petrochemical plants, and extensive port infrastructure.
Angola: Implementing a Gas Master Plan targeting $30 billion in investment and expanded petrochemical and fertilizer production.
Tanzania: Progressing with the $42 billion Tanzania LNG project and the Mbolea & Petrochemicals Kilwa Complex, set to become Africa’s largest fertilizer plant.
The AEC maintains that curbing plastic production through the treaty would directly slash demand for oil, gas, and petrochemical feedstocks, derailing multi-billion-dollar investments and slowing industrial progress.
A Call for Unity and Strategic Action
The Chamber is urging African governments to take a unified stance in rejecting the treaty, arguing that the continent cannot afford to sacrifice its economic ambitions to satisfy policy directions driven largely by developed nations.
“Africa’s path to prosperity runs through industrialization, energy security, and value-added manufacturing. The Treaty on Plastics would jeopardize all three,” Ayuk concluded.
