By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) has called for immediate and effective action to tackle the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste) management and disposal across Africa.
The body observed that as technological innovation accelerates and the demand for electronic devices increases, the continent is grappling with a corresponding surge in discarded electronic items, posing significant environmental and health risks.
According to recent estimates, Africa generated approximately 2.9 million metric tons of e-waste in 2022. This includes discarded mobile phones, computers, televisions, and other electronic devices, many of which contain harmful materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
The body said, unfortunately, less than 20% of e-waste is formally recycled, with the majority either dumped in landfills or handled through informal channels, leading to toxic emissions and the contamination of soil and water sources.
CAMIC emphasised that, without immediate intervention, Africa’s e-waste problem could spiral into a major environmental disaster.
“The lack of regulatory frameworks, poor infrastructure for e-waste collection, and insufficient public awareness contribute to the unchecked disposal and informal handling of e-waste across the continent,” the body noted in a statement signed by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi on Thursday.
It recommended that, to mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by e-waste, there is need for governments, private sector stakeholders, and communities to take the following conscious measures in tackling E-waste across the continent.
It suggested that e-waste regulations, public awareness, investment in e-waste recycling infrastructure, effective producer responsibility and informal sector transition are some of the strategies to effective e-waste management.
CAMIC is a leading voice in environmental advocacy across Africa and is committed to promoting sustainable e-waste management. Through partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions, the body aims to create a continent-wide movement towards responsible e-waste disposal. L