East Africa Faces Growing E-Waste Crisis, Calls for Urgent Action

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has sounded the alarm on the escalating electronic waste (e-waste) crisis in East Africa, labeling it a “ticking environmental time bomb.”

Speaking at the opening of the seventh EACO Regional E-Waste Awareness Conference on Monday, Kabogo urged immediate and collective action to address the mounting threat.

The three-day conference, held at Nairobi’s Sarova Panafric Hotel, brings together regional stakeholders to discuss sustainable e-waste management strategies.

Kabogo highlighted the dual role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in driving economic growth while simultaneously contributing to hazardous waste streams.

Citing the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 report, Kabogo revealed that Africa recycles less than one percent of its generated e-waste, the lowest rate globally.

“The statistics are staggering. The fact that Africa has the lowest documented e-waste recycling rate should alarm us all,” he said.

Kenya has taken proactive steps through its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which hold producers accountable for managing waste from their products. Kabogo urged neighboring countries to adopt similar measures, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration.

“Kenya is showing the way, but we need the whole region to come on board to make a real impact,” he added.

With global e-waste projected to reach 82 billion kilograms by 2030, Kabogo called on stakeholders to act decisively. The conference, running until March 26, features panel discussions, exhibitions, and strategy sessions aimed at advancing sustainable e-waste management in East Africa.

Communications Authority of Kenya Chairperson Mary Mungai echoed Kabogo’s concerns, stating, “E-waste is now a global phenomenon that, if not handled appropriately, can cause harm both to human health and the environment. At CA, we have a keen interest in this matter since we are regulating an industry that is undeniably one of the main generators of e-waste in the country.”

The event underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions and regional cooperation to mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by e-waste in East Africa and beyond.