Malawi’s journey towards a plastic-free future

For years, Malawi has grappled with unsuccessful attempts to ban thin plastics. Since the country lacks proper waste disposal and recycling, plastic waste can be found not only in roads and drainage channels but also in critical ecosystems such as waterways.

Commercial interests in plastics continue to be a significant obstacle to the implementation of widely supported environmental protection. The ban on the production and use of thin plastics was due to come into force in 2015 following the adoption of the Environmental Management (Plastics) Regulations. It was met with resistance from plastic manufacturers, however, leading to a series of protracted legal disputes with injunctions and appeals. In June 2024, Malawi’s Supreme Court upheld the ban, dismissing the manufacturers’ appeal. However, in July 2024, eleven companies obtained an injunction, halting the government’s enforcement efforts by citing procedural errors in the original 2015 regulations. 

This pattern of legal actions and counteractions has created a prolonged back-and-forth and delayed the full implementation of the environmental protection measures. Only recently, on 31 January 2025, Malawi’s High Court lifted the injunction, allowing the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) to enforce the ban irrevocably.

Environmental advocates express frustration

Herbert Mwalukomo, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), a non-profit civil-society organisation, expressed his frustration with the slow process. “For many years, we have been advocating for a ban on the production and use of thin plastics, which are causing significant environmental issues in Malawi,” Mwalukomo stated. “Our water systems are heavily polluted by plastic waste, which is affecting aquatic life. As a country, we need to align ourselves with global environmental protection efforts. We have laws that need to be enforced,” he added.

Charles Mkoka, Executive Director of the civil-society organisation Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), noted that the long delay in enforcing regulations has disadvantaged the country. He claims it has affected both Malawi’s environment and socio-economic development.

“The constant use of thin plastic has increased pollution, especially in urban centres where plastic waste is widespread. Since thin plastics are not biodegradable, they accumulate in the environment and clog sewage systems, rivers and lakes, leading to flooding and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems,” explained Mkoka. He also pointed out that the plastic could have a negative impact on Malawi’s agriculture in the long term.

Despite the delays, Mkoka remains optimistic that the recent court decision will lead to positive results. “A high-profile court case can draw attention to the environmental problems associated with thin plastics, shake up public opinion and stimulate a broader social commitment to environmental protection,” he said.  CURE plans to use the momentum from the court case to intensify its advocacy and education campaigns. It aims to highlight the environmental, health and economic benefits of the ban.

However, it remains to be seen whether the ban will be effectively enforced. While Malawi has strong laws in place, the country has struggled with law enforcement. The government has cited factors such as financial constraints, a lack of law-enforcement officers and corruption as obstacles to effective enforcement.

According to a 2019 policy brief by the United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP), Malawi produces approximately 75,000 tonnes of plastic annually, 80 % of which is classified as single-use and non-recyclable. The UN states that Malawians thus generate more waste per capita than their sub-Saharan counterparts, resulting in a demand that far exceeds the capacity of current waste-management systems.

Raphael Mweninguwe is a freelance journalist based in Malawi.
raphael.mweninguwe@hotmail.com