SMEP News
Explore the latest SMEP news and stories here. Our news section showcases key events, achievements, and thought-provoking articles to keep our community and visitors abreast of SMEP happenings.
On the Road to Nice: Better markets make better catches
In 2022, global fisheries and aquaculture hit a record 223.2 million tonnes – enough to supply every person on Earth with 28 kg of fish and seafood for a year (SOFIA, 2024). But behind that volume are millions of livelihoods, many in developing countries that still lack the tools to
On the Road to Nice: Tackling ghost gear as 2025 deadline for marine pollution reduction nears
As the world edges closer to the 2025 global deadline to reduce marine pollution under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.1, momentum is building across governments, businesses, and international organisations to accelerate action for healthier oceans. The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice (9–13 June 2025) is a major checkpoint towards meeting
SMEP-funded Fresh Produce Impact Hub successfully launched its Policy Blueprint: Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics
On 10 April 2025 in Accra, Republic of Ghana, the SMEP-funded Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FreshPPact) successfully launched its latest report: Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics: A Policy Blueprint for a Thriving Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry. The Policy Blueprint report is aimed at facilitating the transition to plastic alternatives and
Flipping the script: How cleaner production is reshaping industrial growth in the Global South
Industrialisation has powered development – potentially lifting millions out of poverty, creating employment, and driving growth. But today, the environmental costs of unchecked and often poorly planned industrial expansion can no longer be dismissed as tomorrow’s problem. Pollution knows no borders and its impacts on human and environmental health, including
Small-scale plastics recycling in Africa
Join Waste Wise for a webinar on small-scale plastics recycling in Africa! Small-scale Plastics Recycling in Africa 🗓 Date: 23 April 2025🕒 Time: 12:00 GMT | 14:00 SAST | 15:00 EAT⌛ Duration: 1 hour📍 Venue: Online Register here Recycling plastic in Africa is seldom a straightforward win, especially in remote and coastal areas.
SMEP-Backed Innovation Takes the Spotlight at Walmart Summit: TEXFAD Uganda Pitches Sustainable Banana Fibre Yarn
The SMEP Programme is proud to share a milestone in our mission to support innovation in manufacturing value chains and circularity. One of our grantee projects, Uganda-based BANATEX – EA took to centre stage at the 2025 Massmart Growth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd April 2025. The event