Global PCB Elimination Programme Takes Key Step at Abidjan Inception Workshop

The GEP-PCB is a multi-country initiative aimed at eliminating the use of PCBs in electrical equipment by 2025 and ensuring environmentally sound management of PCB liquids and PCB-contaminated equipment by 2028.

African countries have taken a major step toward eliminating toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from electricity systems, following the Inception Workshop of the Global Elimination Program for PCBs (GEP-PCB), held from 27 to 29 January 2026 at the African Development Bank headquarters in Abidjan.

The workshop marked the formal launch of coordinated implementation efforts across the continent, supporting countries to meet their obligations under the Stockholm Convention while improving the performance, safety and sustainability of their electricity sectors.

Aligning Environmental Protection with Power Sector Modernisation

The GEP-PCB is a multi-country initiative aimed at eliminating the use of PCBs in electrical equipment by 2025 and ensuring environmentally sound management of PCB liquids and PCB-contaminated equipment by 2028.

PCBs, widely used in transformers and other electrical equipment in past decades, are highly toxic and persistent chemicals. Without proper management, leaks and cross-contamination pose serious risks to workers and surrounding communities, increase clean-up liabilities, and undermine the reliability of power systems that rely on ageing infrastructure.

The programme leverages investments in transmission and distribution upgrades to embed PCB identification, safe handling, equipment replacement and disposal into routine electricity operations. A standardised approach simplifies project preparation, harmonises procurement and enables grid modernisation at scale.

Targeting 8,750 Tonnes of PCBs Across Six Countries

Through a series of country-level “child projects”, the GEP-PCB aims to eliminate approximately 8,750 tonnes of PCBs while promoting best available techniques and accelerating the replacement of contaminated transformers with more efficient equipment.

By linking PCB elimination with broader grid upgrades, the programme delivers dual benefits: protecting human health and the environment while strengthening power system efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

Strong Multilateral Partnership Behind the Programme

The GEP-PCB is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank, in partnership with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat. Implementing partners include the African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Abidjan workshop brought together representatives from African government ministries, electricity utilities and programme partners, strengthening coordination, knowledge-sharing and stakeholder engagement ahead of implementation and scale-up.

Financing Gaps and Partnerships a Key Focus

Participants agreed on the need to integrate PCB elimination into ongoing and planned transmission and distribution projects to meet the 2025 and 2028 targets. Discussions highlighted urgent capacity and financing gaps and underscored the importance of stronger public–private partnerships to accelerate delivery.

The programme is also aligned with cross-cutting priorities, including gender, health and the energy transition.

Leadership Voices Warn of Shrinking Resources

In his keynote address, Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, described the programme as a decisive step toward removing toxic PCBs from national grids, warning that shrinking donor resources make closer collaboration with investors and utilities increasingly critical.

World Bank Group Global Environment Department Manager Jiang Ru said eliminating PCBs is foundational to energy system transformation.

“Grid and transformer replacement projects cannot move forward safely or efficiently without proper management of legacy PCBs,” he said. “These investments protect workers and communities, strengthen productivity, and improve competitiveness — delivering both economic and development dividends.”

African Development Bank Group Manager for Climate and Green Growth Al-Hamndou Dorsouma welcomed the partnership, noting the Bank’s own involvement through a child project in Uganda.

“We highly value the partnership forged under this programme, which brings together the GEF, the World Bank, regional multilateral development banks and UN agencies,” he said.

Next Phase: Scaling Up Across Africa

With implementation frameworks now taking shape, the GEP-PCB is positioned to scale up PCB elimination across African power systems, helping countries meet international chemical safety commitments while building cleaner, safer and more resilient electricity infrastructure.