World Environment Day: How China and Africa are tackling plastic pollution

As the world marks World Environment Day 2025, this year's theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution," calls for urgent global action to address one of the most pressing environmental threats of our time.

China and Africa are both confronting the growing impacts of plastic waste, from polluted rivers and oceans to risks to public health and food security.

In this episode of China-Africa Talk, we invited Ma Jun, Founding Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs in China, and Ali-Said Matano, Senior Advisor for Blue Economy in Kenya, to share their insights on the state of plastic pollution and pathways toward stronger China-Africa cooperation.

The environmental and health toll of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is affecting ecosystems and people today.

"In China," Ma Jun explained, "the impacts are observed across ecosystems and also on human well-being. Microplastics have been found in lower-level organisms, ocean creatures, and in 30% of fish samples."

He added that airborne microplastics and soil contamination are emerging threats as well.

Ali-Said Matano described a similar situation in Kenya.

"In the northern part of Kenya, there is a lot of livestock. We've had lethal effects, deaths of livestock caused by plastic ingestion. And humans, of course, are consumers of fish that can be affected by microplastics. This moves through the food chain and comes back to us."

Changing perceptions and policy shifts

Public attitudes toward plastics have evolved dramatically in both countries.

"In China, banning single-use plastics, mandatory waste sorting, and extended producer responsibility are becoming the new norm."

"In 2017, Kenya banned single-use plastic bags, one of the toughest bans globally. Now we are moving toward biodegradable packaging and encouraging more sustainable alternatives."

Both experts acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.

The importance of local action and cooperation

"Local action is key," stressed Ma Jun. "Cities like Shanghai and Suzhou see real progress with sorting, recycling, and circular economy models."

Matano agreed: "Kenya's Extended Producer Responsibility framework is an important step, but we still need more public-private collaboration and capacity building at the county level."

Opportunities for China-Africa partnership

Looking forward, both speakers are optimistic about deepening China-Africa cooperation:

"We can learn a lot from China's experience in waste management and technology solutions," said Matano. "We also hope for more South-South exchanges, because many African countries are innovating locally as well."

Ma Jun emphasized the potential for joint platforms: "Our Blue Map app tracks water and plastic pollution in China. Similar digital tools can be shared or co-developed with African partners. And on recycling innovation, there is huge room for collaboration."

"Plastic pollution is a shared challenge," said Ma Jun. "But it's also a shared opportunity to build a greener, more sustainable future together."