DRC: the e-waste considered as an opportunity to create jobs

Kinshasa, March 17^th, 2026 (CPA). -The e-waste and electrical waste have been considered on Tuesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as an opportunity for Africa to build a circular economy and create jobs during the 8th regional workshop on e-waste awareness. “Our digital future must also be sustainable, because the e-waste is not just an environmental challenge. It is also, for Africa, an opportunity to build a circular electronics economy that creates jobs, protects the environment and secures valuable resources for the future,” has declared Caroline Koech, Executive Director of the East African Communications Organisation (EACO). She has explained that the rise in e-waste requires concerted action across the region and the continent. Safe and sustainable management demands stronger cooperation between governments, regulators, industry, development partners and communities, as well as effective collaboration between the formal and informal sectors, which are essential to the value chain.  Ms Koech has explained the need for the ministers to strengthen the national policy frameworks, for regulators to ensure effective implementation and enforcement in the management of electronic waste, and for the industry to invest in responsible product life cycles, recycling systems and take-back schemes. “It is only through this shared commitment that we will build sustainable e-waste management systems in our region,” she has indicated. She has added that progress would depend on the leadership and commitment of all the institutions represented, calling for this conference to be used not only to exchange ideas, but also to strengthen the collective commitment to a circular electronics economy that protects the environment, creates economic opportunities and supports sustainable development in Africa. Furthermore, the Executive Director of EACO has emphasised that this conference provides an important platform for sharing experiences, learning from global best practices and strengthening regional cooperation in the face of this growing challenge. “I congratulate the Working Group 07 on E-waste Management and Green ICTs for its on-going awareness-raising efforts and practical solutions, whilst encouraging all participants to engage actively, share their ideas and explore innovative partnerships to build inclusive and sustainable management systems,” she has concluded. ACP/