NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Experts from across East Africa gathered in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Monday to discuss ways to promote the sustainable management of electronic waste (e-waste) in the region.

The seventh edition of the East African Communication Organization (EACO) Regional Awareness Conference on Sustainable E-Waste Management in the East Africa Region brought together more than 100 participants, including senior government officials, information and communications technology (ICT) regulators, and industry players, to reduce e-waste in the region.

John Tanui, principal secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, said the sale of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), such as refrigerators, television sets, and mobile phones, will continue to surge, and with their short life cycles, an exponential increase in e-waste is anticipated in Africa.

He revealed that more citizens across the region understand the health risks of improper e-waste disposal.

Ally Simba, executive secretary of the EACO, noted that e-waste remains the fastest-growing waste stream in Africa. Yet, the region lacks sufficient recycling infrastructure and repair services to address the challenge effectively.

Simba said the legal and policy landscape has transformed. Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have enacted e-waste regulations and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks, while Uganda and Burundi have adopted national e-waste policies.

Emmanuel Ndorimana, permanent secretary in Burundi's Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, noted that due to the transboundary nature of e-waste, East African countries need to align national policies with international best practices.

Ndorimana said effective e-waste management requires the right facilities, including the establishment of collection centers, recycling plants, and safe disposal mechanisms. Enditem

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