Experts from across East Africa have gathered in the Kenyan capital on Monday for a crucial conference focused on promoting the sustainable management of electronic waste (e-waste) in the region. The seventh edition of the East African Communication Organization (EACO) Regional Awareness Conference on Sustainable E-Waste Management in the East Africa Region brought together over 100 participants, including high-ranking government officials, ICT regulators, and industry representatives.
The primary objective of the conference was to discuss and identify effective strategies to mitigate the growing challenge posed by e-waste in East Africa. Addressing the attendees, Mr. John Tanui, Principal Secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, highlighted the anticipated exponential surge in e-waste across Africa due to increasing sales and shorter lifespans of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as refrigerators, televisions, and mobile phones. He also noted a growing awareness among citizens in the region regarding the health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal.
Echoing these concerns, Ally Simba, Executive Secretary of the EACO, emphasized that e-waste remains the fastest-growing waste stream in Africa. He pointed out the significant lack of adequate recycling infrastructure and repair services within the region to effectively manage this escalating problem.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Simba noted positive developments in the legal and policy landscape. He highlighted that Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have already enacted e-waste regulations and implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. Furthermore, Uganda and Burundi have adopted national e-waste policies, signaling a growing commitment to address the issue at a national level.
Emmanuel Ndorimana, Permanent Secretary in Burundi's Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, stressed the need for regional harmonization of e-waste management policies. He emphasized that the transboundary nature of e-waste necessitates that East African nations align their national policies with international best practices to ensure effective management.
Ndorimana further stated that establishing the right infrastructure is crucial for effective e-waste management. This includes setting up collection centers, recycling plants, and safe disposal mechanisms to handle the increasing volume of discarded electronics in the region.
The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and explore collaborative solutions to promote a more sustainable approach to managing the rapidly growing e-waste stream in East Africa. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to contribute to the development of more robust and coordinated strategies across the region.