Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing concern globally. Items like refrigerators, cell phones, and printed circuit boards are often discarded in landfills, posing environmental and health risks. Informal dismantling of e-waste in developing countries exposes workers to hazardous substances.
In Africa, e-waste is a pressing issue, with significant dismantling sites in countries like Ghana and Nigeria. According to the E-waste Monitor 2024 report by the ITU and UNITAR, the world’s generation of electronic waste is increasing rapidly, outpacing recycling efforts.
Africa produces the least volume of e-waste per capita compared to Europe. However, some African countries stand out for their e-waste production. Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria top the list, followed by Algeria, Morocco, Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and DR Congo.
To address this growing problem, some African countries have implemented regulations. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy encourages sustainable design and manufacturing practices to promote recycling. Countries like Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and Madagascar have enacted laws to regulate e-waste production.
Madagascar’s Decree No. 2015-930 on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) sets a framework for the classification and management of e-waste, promoting environmentally sound disposal practices. These initiatives are crucial steps in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of e-waste in Africa.
Overall, e-waste management is a complex issue that requires collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to handling electronic waste.
