Africa E-Waste Conference Concludes in Kenya
Experts discuss using digital tools to formalize the continent's growing electronic waste management sector.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Environmental
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The 6th Africa International E-Waste Conference in Kwale County, Kenya, highlighted the urgent need to address the continent's massive electronic waste surplus. Experts focused on digital platforms as a solution for tracking materials and improving collection rates.
Why it matters
While informal operators keep materials moving, the lack of formal tracking complicates responsible recycling and material recovery. Digital marketplaces now aim to bridge this gap by connecting collectors with recyclers.
In 2022, Africa generated 3.5 million metric tons of e-waste, with less than one percent undergoing formal recycling. A recent pilot program trained 150 people in repair and material recovery to support these management efforts.
The players
Minimise
Minimise is a technology company that develops digital infrastructure for tracking and managing electronic waste networks.
The details
Digital technology and artificial intelligence are being leveraged to track waste flows and provide real-time material pricing. This infrastructure aims to provide buyers with necessary assurances regarding the origins of recovered electronic components.
Timeline
Africa generated 3.5 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2022.
Minimise expanded its digital e-waste management network to Kenya in January 2026.
The 6th Africa International E-Waste Conference concluded in October 2026.
The Big Picture
The transition to digital tracking aligns with the Global E-waste Monitor reporting standards, which highlight the massive gap between waste generation and formal recovery. This shift signals a move away from unmonitored informal processing toward verified, transparent supply chains.
Increased formalization of the e-waste sector could lead to more efficient material recovery and potentially lower costs for recycled components in electronics. For businesses and consumers, this creates more reliable channels for disposing of retired devices in a responsible manner.
The takeaway
Digital platforms are becoming essential tools for bridging the gap in electronic waste collection across Africa. By formalizing these networks, participants can ensure recovered materials are processed safely and tracked effectively.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest initiatives in global sustainability at the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by China Daily.
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