OUTCOMES OF THE AFRICAN REGION WORKSHOP ON MANUFACTURED NANOMATERIALS/TECHNOLOGY

Presented at the

UNITAR/OECD/Government of Switzerland Side Event on “Nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials – experiences from the regions”

By:Maxwell M. Nkoya (Africa Region Workshop Coordinator)

Acting Director General Zambia Environmental Management Agency on Behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia

email: mnkoya@zema.org.zm

OUTLINE

• Background on Africa Regional Workshop• Major Outcomes of the Africa • Acknowledgements

AFRICAN REGION WORKSHOP ON MANUFACTURED NANOMATERIALS/TECHNOLOGY

• Held in Zambia, Lusaka, Cresta Golfview Hotel, April 16-17, 2015

• Organized by Government of the Republic of Zambia with technical and financial support from UNITAR and Government of Switzerland

• Officially Opened by very senior government official Honorable Deputy Minister of Lands Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

• 16 International Delegates, 16 Local Delegates & 10 Media houses (print & electronic)

OUTCOMES OF THE AFRICAN REGION WORKSHOP ON MANUFACTURED NANOMATERIALS/TECHNOLOGY HELD AT CRESTA GOLFVIEW HOTEL IN LUSAKA,

ZAMBIA - APRIL 16 TO 17, 2015

AFRICAN REGION WORKSHOP ON MANUFACTURED NANOMATERIALS/TECHNOLOGY

• Presentations ranged from UNITAR, SAICM, BRS, OECD, UNSCEGHS, NGO, African experts on current Research on Manufactured Nano Materials/Nano-Safety in Africa.

• Plenary-Identification and Prioritizing of Africa Region Needs on Nano and Nanosafety.

• Adoption of Recommendations and Actions for Africa

OUTCOME 1: Identification and Prioritization of the major Nano needs in the African Region;

1. Establish the Status of Nanomaterials/Products and Nanosafety in Africa through a Needs Assessment (1st priority)

2. Three Categories of Primary needs Identified(i) Expertise(ii) Policy, Regulatory framework, Institutional

Arrangements; and(iii) Infrastructure.

Outcome 2: Identification Areas of Action

• Nine Major Action Areas were Identified (Based on the Identified Needs).– Workshop Participants resolved that further to the

workshop, each country should proceed to prioritise their needs based on an established weighted matrix linked to country needs.

Outcome 3: Establishment of a African Regional Nano-Network

• Establishment of a African Regional Nano-Network– Initial Network formed by Workshop Participants

(electronic mailing list created)– Formation of Coordinating Group (Secretariat) for

the Africa Regional Network (Zambia Interim Coordinator)

Outcome 4: Preparation of a Nano Project Regional Project Concept Note

• Development of a Nano Project Concept note – Workshop decided that a Nano project concept

note be developed to potentially pave way for a larger project in future.

– The developed concept shall take into consideration the identified priorities Needs for Africa as well as the Nine Actions Areas.

Outcome 5: Re-affirmed Recommendation of the ICCM-4 Draft Resolutions on Nano

• African Region Re-affirmed all the elements of the 2nd OEWG’s recommendation of the ICCM-4 Draft Resolutions on Nano

• Special emphasis was made on the following:

“Further: • Invites all stakeholders to continue raising awareness and enhance capacity

on the sound management of manufactured nanomaterials, paying particular attention to the situation and needs of developing countries and Countries with Economies in transition, for example through e-learning courses and regional consultation;”

Acknowledgement

• Government of the Republic of Zambia• Government of Switzerland• United Nations Institute for Training and Research• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development• Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat• Africa Region Participants

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