Named Africa rivers, ranked by modeled emission
These are the reviewed, named outfalls from the dataset's top 50 located in Africa. Each links to a full profile with drivers, caveats, and sources.
Africa: River Plastic Emission Rankings
Africa accounts for 76 of the top 1,000 modeled river outfalls in the Meijer et al. (2021) framework, together carrying a modeled 49,573 metric tons of plastic to the ocean per year, 6.9% of the combined top 1,000 total. This grouping matches the Africa filter on the interactive map.
Lagos Harbour
Rank #16 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 3,999 metric tons per year, Atlantic Ocean basin.
Ebrie Lagoon and Komoe River
Rank #21 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 3,304 metric tons per year, Atlantic Ocean basin.
Msimbazi River
Rank #23 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 3,238 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Wouri River
Rank #26 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,835 metric tons per year, Atlantic Ocean basin.
Douala Estuary
Rank #43 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,338 metric tons per year, Atlantic Ocean basin.
Methodology Note
Figures are modeled estimates from Meijer et al. (2021), not measured regional totals. Regional attribution on this site covers the dataset's top 1,000 outfall points, grouped to match the map filters (Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Americas).
Africa FAQ
Which Africa rivers carry the most plastic to the ocean?
The highest-ranked named rivers in Africa in the Meijer et al. (2021) model are the Lagos Harbour (#16), the Ebrie Lagoon and Komoe River (#21), the Msimbazi River (#23). Values are modeled annual estimates, not measurements.
Why does Africa rank where it does in river plastic emissions?
The model combines mismanaged waste generation, population density, rainfall and hydrology, and distance to the coast. Africa's share reflects how those inputs combine across its coastal catchments; see the methodology page for how the estimates are built and their uncertainty.
Are these figures measurements?
No. They are modeled estimates from a global framework. Regional attribution on this site covers the dataset's top 1,000 modeled points.
Sources
- Meijer, L.J.J. et al. (2021). "More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean." Science Advances, 7(18). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz5803
- UNEP (2021). "From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution." View report
How to Cite This Page
Plastic Bank. "Africa: River Plastic Emission Rankings (Meijer et al. 2021)." Rivers Carrying Plastic to the Ocean. https://rivers.plasticbank.com/rivers/region/africa. Reviewed July 20, 2026.