Protecting Africa.
Preserving Tomorrow.
We are the regional centre of excellence for the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and wastes, dedicated to safeguarding human health and our environment.
Our Vision
To become a leading executing agency and regional centre in delivering programs for sound management of chemicals and wastes, protecting human health and the environment from adverse impacts.
Our Mission
Building capacity for the implementation of multi-lateral environmental agreements, strengthening collaboration with strategic partners, and promoting cooperation among member states.
Strategic Priorities
Our roadmap for 2025-2028 focuses on five interconnected pillars to drive regional impact.
Institutional Strengthening
Enhancing internal capacity, skills development, and policy frameworks for effective governance.
Project Management
Delivering high-quality regional projects with robust planning, implementation, and monitoring.
Financial Sustainability
Securing long-term stability through resource mobilization and improved contribution systems.
Partnerships
Expanding collaboration with global partners, research institutions, and the private sector.
Awareness Raising
Increasing visibility and public understanding of chemical and waste management challenges.
Technology Transfer & Impact
Implementing effective solutions and fulfilling convention obligations across the continent.
SADC PCBs Elimination
Disposal of PCB oils and capacitors across 12 Southern African countries, ensuring safe elimination.
NIPs Updates
Assisting Uganda, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Gambia in updating National Implementation Plans.
Circular Economy
Promoting sustainable management in the textile and garment sectors of Lesotho, Madagascar, SA, and Ethiopia.
African ChemObs
Integrated Health and Environment Observatories to strengthen evidence-based decision making.
Minamata Initial Assessment
Creating enabling environments for early implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
NAP-ASGM
Developing Action Plans for Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining across 9 African nations.
Latest Activities
Workshops, meetings, and key events shaping our mission.
Regional Mercury Initial Assessment (MIA) Project’s Lessons Learned Workshop
October 12, 2022Developing baseline data for the Minamata Convention, promoting regional cooperation and data management in Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia and South Africa.
Supporting Inventories Development
September 23, 2022Priority setting and inventory development for the Stockholm Convention implementation.
UN Palais des Nations Plastics Forum
September 16, 2022Highlighting global efforts during the BRS COPs Plastics Forum.
PCB Small Intersessional Working Group Meeting
December 07, 2018First face-to-face meeting addressing PCB management strategies.
Chemical Review Committee (CRC.14)
December 07, 2018Fourteenth meeting reviewing chemical safety and regulations.
Second meeting of the expert working group on the review of annexes of the Basel Convention
December 07, 2018Reviewing annexes of the Basel Convention for clearer classification.
Basel Convention Electronic Reporting System
December 07, 2018Updates on the electronic reporting mechanisms for the convention.
Stockholm Convention Agencies Meeting
December 06, 2018Informal meeting of implementing agencies to boost implementation effectiveness.
Announcements
Concept Notes Overview for BRS Conventions
December 07, 2018The Secretariat is making available an overview of concept notes for voluntary contributions to the Technical Cooperation Trust Fund.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about the Africa Institute’s mandate and services.
What is the Africa Institute’s primary mandate?
Our primary mandate is to serve as a Regional Centre for the Basel and Stockholm Conventions, providing capacity building, technology transfer, and technical assistance to English-speaking African countries for the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and wastes.
Which countries are eligible for support?
We serve 24 English-speaking African countries. Currently, 9 countries have fully ratified the Africa Institute agreement: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
How can we partner with the Institute?
We welcome partnerships with governments, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. Please contact our Secretariat in Pretoria to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Member Voices
