MTN South Sudan leads e-waste fight as Malawi urges stronger policies

SOUTH SUDAN – MTN South Sudan has launched a major initiative to tackle electronic waste (e-waste) in partnership with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Centre and the National Communications Authority.

The initiative aligns with MTN’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy, aiming to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for South Sudan.

The initiative comes at a critical time as Africa struggles with e-waste management. According to the Global e-Waste Monitor 2024, only nine out of 54 African countries have adopted the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, a framework that holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.

Only 11 African nations have national e-waste policies, and just one has set formal e-waste collection targets.

MTN South Sudan is working to fill this gap by ensuring that discarded electronic devices, including computers, laptops, printers, and networking equipment, are appropriately managed.

Dr. Tom Musili, head of the WEEE Centre, confirmed that this partnership has already collected a substantial amount of e-waste.

MTN South Sudan’s Chief of Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Services, Moses Mayor, emphasized that this program is part of a broader sustainability commitment.

“Our approach to e-waste management aligns with our ESG strategy, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of our business while contributing to South Sudan’s long-term growth. We recognize our responsibility to protect and manage the environment,” the Mayor said.

Malawi urged to strengthen e-waste management

Meanwhile, in Malawi, environmental experts are raising concerns about the growing challenge of e-waste.

As the demand for electronic devices continues to rise, Mathews Malata, an environmental expert, has urged companies and government agencies to implement robust waste management policies.

“E-waste poses significant environmental and health risks, as many electronics contain hazardous chemicals,” Malata warned.

“Malawi’s Vision 2063 aims for a clean, sustainable environment, but we are still lagging in proper e-waste disposal practices.”

Malata highlighted the need for more research into safe disposal methods, particularly for gadgets such as phones, radios, laptops, and printers, which often contain toxic materials.

He also stressed consumer education, urging people to be more aware of the environmental impact of discarded electronics.

Some private companies have already stepped up. Omicron Limited, a Malawi-based waste management firm, has been collecting and recycling e-waste for the past three years.

Managing Director Lindiwe Mzungu confirmed that the company adheres to Malawi’s Environmental Act No. 19 of 2017, ensuring all recycling processes follow safety regulations.

“Our focus is on the proper collection, sorting, and recycling of e-waste,” Mzungu said. “We are also working with government agencies to scale national e-waste management efforts.”

The integration of smart inventory management systems and real-time waste-tracking technologies could further improve efficiency and ensure that electronic waste is handled responsibly and sustainably.

As e-waste continues to grow across Africa, both government and private sector initiatives will be crucial in developing a circular economy in which materials are reused, recycled, and safely disposed of.

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