Single-use plastic bag ban delivers strong early outcomes across Ethiopia, EPA reports

Addis Ababa, February 19, 2026 (FMC) — The Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Lelise Neme, announced that the implementation of the proclamation banning single-use plastic bags has delivered strong early outcomes within a short period since it came into force on January 31, 2026.

In an interview with Fana Podcast this week, Ms. Lelise outlined the nationwide enforcement of the proclamation, noting that the results of the measures undertaken in recent weeks are already evident.

The Director General stated that the implementation process has highlighted the need to ensure that alternative bags are supplied to consumers at affordable prices. She added that coordinated efforts are being carried out with relevant stakeholders to address this issue.

She further called on the public to cultivate a sustained culture of using textile bags, paper bags, and reed products made from local raw materials as replacements for single-use plastic bags.

Lelise indicated that support will be extended to strengthen micro and small enterprises engaged in the production of these alternative shopping bag products.

The EPA Director General stressed that citizens must discharge their responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the proclamation banning single-use plastic bags to ensure a clean environment and protect the ecosystem, in alignment with the Clean Ethiopia initiative.

She also stated that an artificial intelligence-powered application will soon be launched to enable the public to submit suggestions aimed at improving regulatory work and ensuring its effective implementation.

Ms. Lelise reiterated her call for citizens to continue fulfilling their responsibilities by using locally made alternative shopping bag products instead of single-use plastic bags.