Africa's e-waste share increases as developed nations reduce output
Africa's share of global waste from technological hardware including screens, monitors, and telecom equipment, has increased over the past decade, while that of developed countries has declined.
A new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that Africa's contribution to global e-waste rose from 5.3% in 2010 to 5.9% in 2022. This shift mirrors a broader trend in developing economies, where higher consumption of electronic devices is leading to increased waste generation.
The increase in electronic waste is attributed to several factors, including population and economic growth, higher disposable incomes, and greater internet connectivity.
Despite this rise, consumers in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan produce three and a half times more e-waste per capita than those in developing nations, UNCTAD noted.
The report highlights that the disparity is largely due to overconsumption driven by "consumerism and aggressive marketing that promotes marginal upgrades."
Per capita waste from screens, computers, small IT, and telecommunications equipment (SCSIT) in Africa was 0.44 kg. However, this average conceals significant regional disparities.
These unequal waste trends are expected to persist, driven by the increasing demand for electronic devices and their uneven distribution between developed and developing economies.
