The 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) has committed to support a global plastic treaty, affirming the continent’s need to engage with the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. They pledged support for a robust global plastics treaty that tackles pollution across the entire lifecycle, noting that the world faced the urgency of the global plastic pollution crisis. The meeting pledged to address the continent’s mounting environmental challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, drought, biodiversity and ecosystems loss, pledging to address deforestation, desertification, public health risks, land, air, and water pollution, In addition, they pledged, among other things, to address poverty and other threats that undermine sustainable development goals and threats to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Africans. The ministers also committed to protecting vital ecosystems such as wetlands, through enhanced governance and direct support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). “Wetlands are indispensable for Africa’s water security, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation; and underscoring the imperative of speaking with one coordinated African voice to elevate wetland protection and restoration as provided for under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat,” the document read in part. They also declared focussing on circular economy principles and sustainable chemicals management, which echo the continent’s growing momentum toward reducing plastic production and ensuring polluters bear the cost of environmental damage.