By Forum staff writer
Government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organisations have renewed calls for the swift enforcement of plastic waste regulations in Sierra Leone, warning that delays could worsen environmental degradation and threaten coastal livelihoods.
The appeal was made during a high level stakeholder engagement held on Thursday April 2, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Finance in Freetown. The meeting brought together key institutions and partners to assess progress and accelerate efforts toward tackling the growing challenge of plastic pollution across the country.
Participants emphasised the urgency of moving beyond policy discussions to concrete implementation, noting that plastic waste continues to clog drainage systems, pollute beaches, and pose serious risks to marine life. They called for a clear and time bound roadmap that would ensure the proposed regulations are enforced without further delay.
Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the issue through coordinated action. They stressed that effective regulation would not only protect the environment but also support economic activities linked to tourism and fisheries.
Development partners, including the World Bank, reiterated their support for Sierra Leone’s efforts to transition toward sustainable waste management systems. They underscored the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, improving waste collection infrastructure, and promoting public awareness on responsible plastic use and disposal.
Private sector representatives also pledged their readiness to play an active role, particularly in adopting environmentally friendly packaging and investing in recycling initiatives. They noted that collaboration between government and businesses would be critical in achieving long term impact.
Civil society organisations used the platform to call for stronger enforcement mechanisms and community engagement. They stressed that public participation remains key to the success of any regulation, urging authorities to intensify education campaigns that encourage behavioural change at the household level.
The engagement formed part of activities under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project and the ongoing Go Circular Week campaign. The initiative promotes sustainable environmental practices, responsible waste management, and the adoption of circular economy models aimed at reducing waste and maximising resource use.
Stakeholders agreed that tackling plastic pollution requires a unified approach that brings together policy makers, investors, and communities. They warned that failure to act decisively could undermine efforts to build climate resilience and protect the country’s natural resources.
As discussions concluded, there was a shared sense of urgency and determination to translate commitments into measurable outcomes. Participants expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and political will, Sierra Leone can make significant progress in reducing plastic waste and safeguarding its environment for future generations.
