Governments across Africa have introduced a wave of new packaging regulations in 2025, focusing on extended producer responsibility (EPR), bans on single-use plastics, and harmonization of technical standards. These measures aim to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and align national policies with international trade requirements. This article highlights the most recent developments, from Kenya’s EPR rollout and Egypt’s levy on plastic bags to Ethiopia and Nigeria’s plastic ban and the East African Community’s new packaging standards.
Table of Contents
Nigeria Enforces Single-Use Plastic Ban
Beginning January 2025, Nigeria enacted a nationwide ban on plastic straws, cutlery, sachets, bottles, and expanded polystyrene, with local authorities already phasing out single-use plastics throughout 2024. While the ban was announced in June 2024, there were also concerns about public not being ready for such a wide-reaching shift.
Ethiopia Phases Out Single-Use Plastics
On June 2, 2025, Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives has unanimously passed Proclamation No. 1383/2017, banning the import, production, and use of single-use plastic materials as part of broader solid waste management reforms. The regulation, approved during the House’s 33rd regular session, targets plastic bags thinner than 0.03 millimeters, as well as bottles, straws, and wrappers, citing their harmful impact on the environment and public health.
Kenya Implements Broad Packaging Regulations
Kenya’s Sustainable Waste Management Act (Legal Notice No. 176 of 2024) became effective on May 5, 2025, requiring EPR compliance across packaging and other products. Producers must now ensure responsible collection and recycling throughout the full product lifecycle.
In addition, under Legal Notice No. 181 of 2024, plastic packaging must feature producer details, resin codes, and recycled content percentages before it can be manufactured, imported or distributed.
Ghana Targets Styrofoam Containers
During World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, 2025, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama revealed plans to ban the import, manufacture, and use of polystyrene foam containers for food.
Egypt Launches EPR Scheme for Plastic Bags
Egypt introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for plastic shopping bags on March 2, 2025. Under Prime Minister’s Decree No. 662 of 2025, producers and importers must report sales, track production, and pay EGP 37.5 per kilogram of plastic sold domestically to fund collection and safe disposal.
East Africa Introduces New Packaging Standards
The East African Community (EAC), comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, notified the World Trade Organization in April and May 2025 of several packaging-related specifications. These include standards for plastic cups (DEAS 1256:2024) and paper-aluminium foil laminate for packaging (DEAS 1259:2025), with each setting out requirements and test methods.
Conclusion
The first half of 2025 has brought sweeping packaging policy changes across Africa. Countries including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana are phasing out single-use plastics, while Kenya and Egypt expand EPR requirements. Meanwhile, the East African Community advances regional packaging standards, moving closer to EU alignment. Together, these shifts point toward a stricter and more harmonized regulatory environment for packaging across the region.
