The EACO Regional Awareness Conference on Sustainable E-Waste Management is the region's premier annual gathering on electronic waste policy, infrastructure and innovation. The 7th edition, held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2024, examined the state of e-waste regulation, EPR scheme implementation and recycling infrastructure across all seven East African Community member states. The conference drew participants from government ministries, national regulators, private sector operators, civil society and international organisations including representatives from Germany, Switzerland, India and Thailand. A landmark 10-point Declaration was unanimously adopted, committing member states to concrete action on infrastructure, funding, data, and the circular economy.
7th EACO Regional Awareness Conference on Sustainable E-Waste Management
Building a Circular E-Waste Economy Across East Africa
📅 2024📍 Nairobi, Kenya🌍 7 countries
About this Programme
Key Focus Areas
Extended Producer Responsibility
Harmonising EPR policy and implementation across all seven member states.
Recycling Infrastructure
Building dismantling, disposal and recycling capacity at national and regional scale.
Funding Mechanisms
Establishing dedicated government and private sector funding streams.
Informal Sector Integration
Recognising and integrating the informal sector within a circular economy approach.
Data & Research
Standardised tracking, reporting and data sharing across the region.
Emerging Technologies
Leveraging AI and IoT to enhance e-waste management efficiency and traceability.
9-Point Declaration
1
Enhance the percentage of e-waste being properly recycled in Africa and strengthen regional cooperation for sustainable e-waste management.
2
Build infrastructure for dismantling, proper disposal and recycling of e-waste across member states.
3
Governments to establish dedicated funding mechanisms for e-waste management.
4
Continue to harmonise policy and regulatory frameworks for e-waste management across East African countries.
5
Facilitate the movement of e-waste and the establishment of a regional e-waste recycling facility.
6
Facilitate data sharing and research to gain deeper insights into the e-waste challenge through standardised tracking and reporting methodologies.
7
Strengthen capacity building initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships among key stakeholders.
8
Integrate the informal sector within a circular economy approach, recognising its potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
9
Establish and implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, embracing the producer pays principle.