New partnership seeks to combat waste collection in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Turkish company GAIA CLIMATE to tackle plastic waste in Tanzania. 

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at NEMC’s Dar es Salaam offices, marks a significant step toward addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.

The Director General of NEMC, Dr. Immaculate Sware Semesi, signed the agreement after a meeting with GAIA CLIMATE management representative Ms. Gediz Kaya, along with various NEMC leaders. The meeting focused on strategies and effective measures to ensure the successful implementation of the plastic waste collection initiative.

Speaking on behalf of NEMC’s Chief Environmental Officer, Mr. Fredrick Mulinda highlighted the importance of the initiative in the country’s efforts to reduce plastic waste.

“This partnership represents a significant leap forward in the fight against plastic pollution. It introduces innovative solutions like Plastic Credits, which will create employment opportunities for youth and provide a platform for recycling and environmental sanitation,” said Mr. Mulinda.

He further noted that the partnership also supports NEMC’s goal to help the government achieve its target of reducing plastic waste by five percent nationwide, a crucial step in combating plastic pollution in urban areas.

For her part, Ms. Kaya commended NEMC’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability. She highlighted Tanzania’s leadership in Africa, stating, “Tanzania is the first African country to partner with us on this groundbreaking project aimed at reducing plastic waste. This initiative stems from fruitful discussions at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.”

NEMC continues to strictly regulate the production and use of plastic materials that contribute to environmental pollution in Tanzania.