Africa is grappling with a growing e-waste crisis, driven by the widespread importation of used electronics and electrical devices. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024 report, the continent generates a significant volume of electronic waste, with 10 countries standing out as the largest contributors.

The report, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), notes that the world's generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. The 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally in 2022 would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly enough to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator.

In Africa, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the top 10 countries generating the largest volume of e-waste. These countries are struggling to manage the environmental and health impacts of e-waste, which is often dismantled in informal settings to extract valuable metals, exposing workers to hazardous substances.

The report highlights that Africa produces the least volume of e-waste per capita, at 2.5KG, compared to Europe's 17.6KG per capita. However, the continent's growing population and increasing demand for electronic devices are expected to exacerbate the e-waste crisis if left unaddressed.

Several African countries have developed legislations to regulate e-waste production, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. These measures encourage companies to adopt sustainable design and manufacturing practices, promoting recycling and reducing pollution. Egypt, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Zambia have implemented policies or laws to regulate e-waste production.

Madagascar's Decree No. 2015-930 on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) sets out a framework for the classification and management of e-waste, promoting the disposal of goods in an environmentally sound manner. These initiatives mark important steps toward mitigating e-waste's environmental and health impacts across the continent.

The e-waste crisis in Africa is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and collective action. The implementation of sustainable practices, regulations, and education campaigns can help reduce the volume of e-waste generated and minimize its environmental and health impacts. As the continent continues to grow and develop, it is essential to prioritize environmentally responsible practices to ensure a sustainable future.

The full list of the top 10 African countries generating the largest volume of e-waste is as follows:

1. Egypt - 690,000 KG

2. South Africa - 530,000 KG

3. Nigeria - 500,000 KG

4. Algeria - 330,000 KG

5. Morocco - 180,000 KG

6. Angola - 150,000 KG

7. Kenya - 88,000 KG

8. Ethiopia - 88,000 KG

9. Ghana - 72,000 KG

10. Democratic Republic of Congo - 56,000 KG