Re-use is one of the 5 R’s of waste management. It results in the use of an item again, once it has served its purpose or reached the point of disposal. Whilst this is among the best environmental practices, the flip side is a risk. A risk that opens African borders to an influx of used electronics with a remaining short lifespan. These enter the market at cheap prices, often perceived as ‘affordable.’

The main hurdle arises after these electronics complete their remaining few years and become waste. This happens in a region that has very limited technological resources to process e-waste.

The Recycling Gap: Comparing Africa to the World

The current recycling of e-waste in Africa stands at just 0.1% of the total e-waste. This is compared to the U.S. at 9.5% and Asia at 11%. While recycling is often justified by the potential to recover valuable materials like iron, copper, aluminum, gold, and platinum, Africa’s 0.1% recycling rate does not meet the threshold required to justify e-waste disposal on the continent.

Unlike plastic or biodegradable waste, e-waste requires more sophisticated technology to recycle or safely dispose of it. There are a few e-waste management enterprises available in Africa, but their capacity vis-à-vis the quantity of electronic waste generated—renders the resulting solution incapable of addressing this problem.

E-Waste Statistics in Africa

 Between 2019 and 2022, Africa had approximately 3 million tonnes of e-waste annually. The top contributing countries were Egypt (585.8 kilotonnes), Nigeria (461.3 kilotonnes), and South Africa (415.5 kilotonnes). Out of the total e-waste exported to Africa, more than 50% is actual waste that requires processing.

Examining the case of Ghana in 2016, 14% of the total e-waste was second-hand equipment with potential for repair. Another 30% comprised new products. The issue of counterfeit and fake products becomes evident. Between products that are declared second-hand and those sold under the disguise of being new, there is a 50% parity.

Economic Value vs Environmental Impact

Weighing the problem these counterfeits and second-hand electronics produce against the value they generate in the African economy shows a clear imbalance. The significance of the former implication alludes to the need for developed countries to pay a disposal fee. This would support the management of these electronics once their lifecycle is over.

In developed countries, producers of electronics are required by law through extended producer responsibility to make provision for the disposal of their products upon lifecycle completion. Which raises the question: could their export of short-spanned used electronics to Africa be a way to evade that responsibility? Isn’t this injustice in its rawest form?

The Exploitation of Africa Through E-Waste

The illegal nature of counterfeit products is extortionate. Developed countries take advantage of vulnerable, underdeveloped Africans and sell them useless electronics. It is the silence in Africa regarding these issues that propagates such practices.

There lacks strong advocacy that could push back against these injustices. The origin of these counterfeits can be traced. Legal cases can be filed to prevent their continuous economic abuse. The fraud surrounding the trade of electronics also needs stringent action to mitigate its growth in Africa.

The Legislative Gap

The enabler of this problem is the lack of legislation to regulate the importation and disposal of electronics. This makes it harder for African countries to enforce laws that would level the playing field and create a just environment for such trade.

Africa still needs access to cheaper electronics, as most of its population may not afford brand-new ones. These include computers, televisions, cell phones, and home appliances. Legislation is therefore required to help Africa access these electronics sustainably. 

Environmental and Health Hazards of E-Waste

Some elements in electronics are hazardous. With the rampant disposal in landfills and open dumpsites, these substances find their way to water bodies through runoffs. This creates a health hazard to vulnerable communities in Africa. Lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants are among the harmful substances that pose a risk to public health.

Across the African continent, low-income communities bear the greatest burden of the negative impacts of e-waste. This is largely due to the proliferation of informal settlements and slums near dumpsites. Vulnerable, low-income earners often depend on waste scavenging as a means of livelihood.

In their search for valuables within e-waste, they typically work without proper personal protective equipment. This further exposes them to serious health hazards.

The Role of Global Advocacy and Cooperation

The intervention of global bodies such as the UN is required. The unfair disposal of electronic waste to Africa is discriminatory. It violates the wellbeing of the population, given the associated environmental and health hazards.

Currently, no single entity on the continent has the capacity to fully address this situation. However, collective efforts and partnerships between public bodies, private entities, states, and interstate cooperation will go a long way in transforming the narrative.

What African Countries Must Do

Tighten regulations

It is upon African countries to tighten regulations on electronic imports that do not meet quality standards. This will make it harder for e-wastes to cross their borders. Governments can impose heavy fines on African businesses that import and sell cheap counterfeit and waste products that do not comply with set standards.

To complement individual legislative efforts, regional trade bodies like SADC and ECOWAS can play a crucial role in echoing these legislations. Collectively, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can amplify these efforts. This will help the continent trade justly and fairly in electronics.

Scaling Local Production

Encouraging technology production within the continent will also help reduce the overreliance on electronic imports. Currently, some firms in Africa are exploring the production of mobile phones, computers, and other devices. Examples of these firms include: 🇳🇬 AfriOne, GTel, Mara Phones, and M-Kopa. Investing in such firms and enabling their upscaling will increase local production and minimize imports. This will help effectively reduce e-waste.

Renowned electronic companies with bigger market shares in the African market should be encouraged to set up production facilities within the continent. After all, the raw materials required to manufacture these electronics are available in Africa.

This will increase the affordability of electronics. It will reduce overreliance on imports and help reduce injustices and inequalities surrounding e-waste.

Building a Just E-Waste Trade System for Africa’s Future

This is the information era. The advancement of technology is at its highest ever in human history. This means that electronics will continuously enter the African continent if inaction persists. African legislations need to catch up with technology. This will seal the gaps and enable the continent to be a tech beneficiary—without having to pay the hefty price of shouldering e-waste.

The future of e-waste in Africa hinges upon the development of just systems to support its trade. This includes laws, policies, and treaties that govern the flow of e-waste from developed countries into Africa.