Dar es Salaam. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has called on Tanzanians to take swift and decisive action to curb uncontrolled plastic use, warning of severe consequences for public health, ecosystems, and the national economy.
Speaking at a press briefing in Dar es Salaam on May 26, 2025, ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, NEMC Director General Dr Immaculate Sware Semesi emphasized the urgency of the issue.
She said this year’s national theme “Our Environment and the Tanzania We Want: Act Now, Stop Plastic Pollution “aims to inspire a national commitment to environmental protection.
“Unregulated use of plastics continues to endanger human health and ecosystems, polluting water sources, beaches, and urban areas,” said Dr Semesi.
“If we don’t act now, the environmental and economic costs will only grow” She underscored the importance of adopting the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle principles to mitigate the impacts of plastic waste.
The 2025 global theme for World Environment Day, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” also resonates with Tanzania’s environmental challenges, including poor land-use practices, deforestation, and worsening droughts that threaten agriculture, water access, and rural livelihoods.
Dr Semesi noted that the commemoration is not merely a symbolic event but a national call to responsibility. Tanzania’s participation, she said, reinforces its commitment to international environmental frameworks such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Despite a national ban on plastic bags introduced in 2019, plastic pollution remains a major concern due to illegal production and cross-border smuggling.
“We are surrounded by countries that haven’t banned plastic bags. That means we must stay alert through coordinated enforcement operations involving the police and NEMC,” Dr Semesi said.
According to Mr Jamal Baruti, NEMC’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, more than 250,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been intercepted since the ban was implemented.
“This year alone, we’ve inspected over 15 factories suspected of violating the law, and legal action was taken against those found guilty,” he said.
“However, changing public attitudes and halting illegal production remains a work in progress.”
Tanzania’s Plastic Bag Regulations of 2022 impose strict penalties on violators. Manufacturers can face fines ranging from Sh20 million to Sh1 billion or imprisonment of up to two years.
Transporters risk fines between Sh5 million and Sh20 million, while sellers may be fined up to Sh500,000 or jailed for three months. Individual users can be fined between Sh30,000 and Sh200,000, or face up to seven days in jail.
Despite persistent challenges, the ban has also spurred positive change. Dr Semesi pointed out that the crackdown has triggered a surge in entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly in the production of alternative packaging materials.
“We now have more than 30 recycling industries operating nationwide, creating jobs for youth and women,” she said.
“Transforming waste into business opportunities is vital for long-term environmental sustainability,” she added.
“We’re working to educate the public that waste can generate income. Innovation in recycling and the development of alternative products is expanding.”
Mr Baruti emphasized the importance of multi-agency collaboration.
“We can’t do this alone. Agencies like TRA, TBS, Immigration, TPA, TAA, TMDA, and local government authorities all have critical roles in enforcing these laws.”
Dr Semesi also stressed that NEMC’s role goes beyond enforcement. “We are a platform for public education and community engagement,” she said.
“We promote clean and green technologies, tree planting, water system protection, and investment in nature-based solutions.”
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, NEMC will lead national awareness campaigns focused on environmental laws, economic opportunities in recycling, and the promotion of eco-friendly technologies.
The day will also honor individuals, communities, and institutions making exceptional contributions to environmental conservation through special awards.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate environmental leadership and innovation,” said Dr Semesi.
“As climate threats increase and plastic waste continues to spread, our message is clear: the time to act is now. Our environment is our life. What we do today will define the Tanzania we leave behind.”