AMCEN 20: Ministers Must Deliver Bold Action on Plastics, Climate Justice, and Forest Protection
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Greenpeace Africa urges African ministers to resist industry pressure and uphold commitments at a decisive continental forum
NAIROBI, KENYA | July 14, 2025 — As the 20th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) convenes in Nairobi, Greenpeace Africa is calling on environmental ministers from across the continent to demonstrate bold leadership in tackling three urgent crises: plastic pollution, climate injustice, and biodiversity loss.
This year’s AMCEN gathering comes at a defining moment, uniting ministers from all 54 African countries at a time when unified action is vital for Africa’s environmental and climate resilience. The outcomes of this conference will shape Africa’s voice at key upcoming global negotiations, including INC-5.2 in Geneva, COP 30 in Brazil, and UNEA 7.
1. Uphold Africa’s Commitment to a Strong Global Plastics Treaty
Greenpeace Africa urges AMCEN to reaffirm the bold stance adopted in Decision AMCEN/19/2, which calls for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that addresses pollution across the full life cycle of plastics.
“The plastic pollution crisis disproportionately affects African communities,” said Hellen Dena, Project Lead of Greenpeace’s Pan-African Plastic Project.
“From toxic open burning to illegal waste dumping in low-income areas, it is the most vulnerable who pay the price. AMCEN must resist industry lobbying and stand firm on capping plastic production in the global treaty.”
2. Make Polluters Pay: Public Backs Climate Reparations
New research from Greenpeace and Oxfam reveals that 81% of citizens across 13 African nations support taxing fossil fuel companies to fund climate recovery — including 85% in Kenya and 80% in South Africa.
“AMCEN must lead calls for climate reparations,” said Sherelee Odayar, Oil and Gas Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa.
“Those who have profited from environmental destruction must now be held financially accountable. This is not only an environmental imperative — it is a matter of justice.”
3. Protect Forests by Financing Indigenous and Local Communities
Greenpeace Africa is calling for AMCEN to advance forest protection by directly financing Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and recognizing their rights as stewards of biodiversity.
“Africa’s forests are being lost at alarming rates, while those who have protected them for generations are sidelined,” said Dr. Lamfu Yengong, Lead Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa.
“AMCEN must put resources and recognition in the hands of those who are the most effective defenders of our natural heritage.”
A Defining Moment for African Unity
Greenpeace Africa underscores that AMCEN 20 must not be swayed by short-term industry interests. Instead, the continent’s leaders must speak with one voice to advance Africa’s environmental agenda on the global stage.
“Africa’s strength lies in its unity,” said Koaile Monaheng, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan-African Political Strategist.
“Our ministers must act with courage, not caution — with conviction, not compromise. The people of Africa are demanding urgent action, and AMCEN must deliver.”
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