BACKGROUND
Malawi is currently developing a national policy to manage waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), commonly referred to as e-waste. This policy aims to ensure an effective, equitable, and sustainable system that protects both human health and the environment while promoting socio-economic development.
WEEE represents one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, driven by rapid technological turnover and increasing consumer demand for newer electronic devices. Improper disposal of e-waste in Malawi, mainly in open dumpsites, poses significant environmental and health risks and results in the loss of valuable materials that could otherwise be recovered.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is providing technical assistance to the Government of Malawi via the Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), by providing technical expertise on e-waste management and facilitating stakeholder engagement.
This private sector consultation is a key step in ensuring that producers, distributors, recyclers, and other industry actors are aligned with the national strategy and contribute to the policy development process.
