By Boris Esono Nwenfor
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, has warned that the proposed global plastic treaty, currently under negotiation, risks undermining Africa’s industrialisation and plunging millions further into poverty if adopted in its present form.
Speaking in an interview with Channel Africa, NJ Ayuk said while the treaty’s intention to curb plastic pollution and combat climate change is laudable, its application is “radical, one-sided, and unfair” to developing economies, particularly Africa.
“Of course, reducing plastic pollution is a good thing. But the big problem is that those pushing this treaty have already industrialised and built their economies using plastics and petrochemicals. Now, they want to stop Africa from doing the same,” NJ Ayuk said.
Ayuk stressed that Africa’s growing economies rely heavily on petrochemicals, not only for plastic products but for fertilisers like urea and ammonia, which drive agriculture and food production. “If we cannot feed ourselves, we’ll be condemned to perpetual dependence on foreign aid. Africa needs to industrialise, not de-industrialise,” he cautioned.
Countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa, all with oil and gas reserves, would be among the hardest hit if the treaty is enforced without concessions. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, could see its petrochemical industry crippled, with ripple effects on manufacturing and energy security across the region.
The Energy Chamber leader argued for a more balanced approach: “We agree on the environmental concerns. We agree on reducing plastic waste. But we cannot do it on timelines and terms that impoverish Africans. Pragmatism and common sense must prevail over radical Western prescriptions.”
Ayuk warned that sudden restrictions on petrochemical investments could discourage foreign capital, weaken energy security, and deepen energy poverty for millions of Africans. Currently, an estimated 600 million people on the continent lack access to electricity, while nearly 900 million are without clean cooking solutions.
Citing the unfulfilled $100 billion climate finance pledge made during the Paris Agreement, Ayuk expressed scepticism over Western commitments. “Too many of these treaties come with broken promises. They tell us not to use petrochemicals, but they used them to develop. It’s like they went up with an elevator and now want Africans to climb the stairs,” he said.
He pointed to Gabon as an example of how petrochemical investments can drive development, through natural gas, LPG, and clean cooking initiatives, helping reduce indoor pollution while growing the local economy.
NJ Ayuk was unequivocal in his stance: “The treaty, in its current form, must be rejected. It cannot pass because it would suffocate Africa’s chance at industrialisation, weaken food security, and kill jobs. What we need is an African solution to an African reality, while still contributing to global climate goals.”
The African Energy Chamber boss noted that Africa’s youth, the majority of the continent’s population, deserve opportunities at home rather than being forced to migrate to Europe. “We must grow Africa here, in Africa. Anything less is a betrayal of our future.”
