The government of Mozambique plans to ban the use of plastic bags in the country starting in 2021. The environment-friendly information was announced on August 7 by the minister of land and environment, Ivete Maibasse (pictured), at the launch of the first National Council for Sustainable Development (CONDES).

The related law will exclude food packaging and conditioning for solid wastes as well as plastic bags used in the health, mining, agriculture, and construction sectors. Plastic bags manufactured in special economic zones for export purposes will also be excluded. The government gives the private sector one year to prepare for the law before it enters into full force.

According to Ivete Maibasse, the measure aims to reduce the harmful impact of single-use plastic bags on the environment, infrastructures, and human health. “The measure is in line with the national and international commitments that the Government of Mozambique has taken, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2015-2030) and the five-year government program (PDQ 2020-2024), aimed at strengthening the management and control of plastic bags,” he said.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou