Pan-African Youth Conference

According to the three conventions developed under UNEP auspices together they provide an international framework governing the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and ozone depleting substances. Hazardous Chemical and waste including ozone depleting substances (HFCs) are inevitable by-products of consumption and production processes. Sound management of these chemicals and waste is therefore necessary to avoid substantial adverse human, health and environmental effects that are associated with poor management in most of the urban areas in Africa. The typology of wastes generated in Africa from point and non-point sources encompass industrial, agricultural, sewage, municipal and other wastes including wastes from the medical, electrical and electronic industry. These wastes can be classified either as non-hazardous or hazardous. Because of health and environmental hazards, waste from the chemical and allied industries and the medical and nuclear sectors requires special attention.

The chemical and Waste management problems in Africa are varied and complex. The region is faced with infrastructure, political, technical, social/economic, organizational/managerial, regulatory and legal issues and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sound waste management and to achieve sustainable development. Waste is typically disposed of without consideration for environmental and human health impacts, leading to its accumulation in cities, towns and uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills.