The Nigerian National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP Nigeria) has announced the National Plastic Summit 2026, a major event aimed at advancing a circular plastics economy in Africa. The summit will bring together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss sustainable solutions for plastic waste management.
Summit Details and Theme
Scheduled for June 4, 2026, the summit will be convened by NPAP Nigeria and hosted by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC). It will be held in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, and with strategic support from the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), hosted by the World Economic Forum. The theme of the summit is “Innovation, Inclusion and Investment for a Circular Plastics Economy in Africa.”
Objectives and Priorities
Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, outlined the summit's three main priorities: advancing circularity as an economic and industrial opportunity; strengthening policy implementation and financing mechanisms; and ensuring an inclusive and just transition that integrates informal sector actors into formal circular systems. “The Summit will also serve as a regional platform for African NPAPs and government focal points to strengthen collaboration, share implementation progress, and align investment priorities,” she added.
Plastic Waste Challenge in Africa
Plastic is a critical material in modern economies, but Africa generates an estimated 18 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Much of this waste is lost due to weak collection systems, limited recycling infrastructure, and fragmented policy implementation. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, is positioned to lead the transition to a more circular and inclusive plastics value chain.
Global Support and Leadership
Clemence Schmid, Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership at the World Economic Forum, noted that the summit comes at a pivotal moment. “Nigeria has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing circular economy solutions and building the partnerships needed to tackle plastic pollution at scale. Through NPAP Nigeria, stakeholders are showing how country-led partnerships can connect policy, investment and innovation to drive meaningful progress,” he said.
Call to Action
Bahijjatu Abubakar, Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged stakeholders to present innovative solutions and plastic action plans. She emphasized that Nigeria’s circular economy could become a significant contributor to national GDP.
About the Organizers
The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is the first national institutionalized behavioral initiative in Africa, supporting evidence-based policymaking. It is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG). NPAP Nigeria is a multi-stakeholder platform committed to sustainable solutions for plastic pollution. GPAP, founded in 2018, is the World Economic Forum’s platform for turning commitments into action, with 25 national partnerships worldwide.
