The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) has organized a major environmental campaign tagged “Plastic-Free ECOWAS” as part of activities marking the 51st anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Dakar, Senegal.
The eco-citizen initiative took place on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at Hann Bay in Dakar under the leadership of Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission.
The campaign was organized by the EGDC in collaboration with other ECOWAS specialized agencies working on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus with a gender perspective, with support from the Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources.
According to the organizers, the cleanup exercise was designed to raise awareness about the growing threat of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste in major urban centres across West Africa.
The activity forms part of the broader “ECOWAS Plastic-Free Campaign,” which seeks to support the implementation of the regional regulation recently adopted to combat plastic pollution. The initiative also aims to promote behavioural change and strengthen stakeholder participation in environmental protection efforts across member states.
Participants in the cleanup exercise included staff of the EGDC, officials of Senegal’s National Integrated Waste Management Company (SONAGED), religious and community leaders, members of the Hann village community, and youth volunteers passionate about environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the significance of the campaign, ECOWAS officials emphasized the need for collective action to address environmental challenges threatening communities across the region. They noted that reducing plastic waste is critical to protecting ecosystems, improving public health, and ensuring sustainable development.
The event coincided with the celebration of ECOWAS’ 51st anniversary, themed “Building Tomorrow’s ECOWAS Today.” The anniversary commemorates the bloc’s achievements in regional integration and development over the past five decades while outlining a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous West Africa in the years ahead.
Organizers expressed optimism that the Plastic-Free ECOWAS campaign would inspire citizens, institutions, and governments across the region to adopt environmentally responsible practices and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.
Sandra Chukwugekwu
About The Author
