Connecting the world and beyond

South Africa study tour - International e-waste exchange, 20-24 April 2026, Pretoria, South Africa

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This study tour was organized in the con​text of the International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-waste and Engaging Tech Companies​, a joint project of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC Colombia), co-organized with South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies​. This project provides a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned among ITU Member States to strengthen their knowledge and increase their experience in developing and implementing e-waste regulations. Revolving around​ three study tours, the project brought representatives from six participating countries (Colombia, Dominican Republic,  India, Malaysia, Nigeria S​outh Africa) together, along with subject matter experts. The third and last study tour took place in Pretoria, South Africa from 20 to 24 April 2026

During the South Africa study tour, the representatives from the project's participating countries had the opportunity to discuss with local e-waste experts and stakeholders, public and private actors, as well as subject matter experts from international organizations about engaging tech producers in e-waste policymaking process and the impact of the extended producer responsibility "EPR" principle in tackling the e-waste challenge. 

The study tour programme included three days of technical knowledge exchange, site visits to e-waste management facilities in Pretoria and Kempton Park, and a closing and technical exchange segment hosted by the Embassy of Colombia in South Africa.​ 

Event highlights

Technical knowledge exchange

Leading themes of the technical knowledge exchange were sustainable programmes for e-waste management, EPR operationalization and compliance, inclusive dimension and the social dimension of closing the loop and innovation and research.

At the three-day programme, participants took part in interactive panels, delivered detailed presentations and exchanged around group assignments on best practices for e-waste management.

Highlights of the technical knowledge exchange included discussion on integrating the informal sector in current initiatives, how to strea​mline digital platforms for compliance and monitoring, and stakeholder coordination in diverse value chains.














Site visits (23 April 2026)

Participants visited JRPC Metal Enhancers, a leading facility in PCB recycling and precious metal refining, in Pretoria, South Africa. Exchanges with the facility staff offered space for consolidation of technical knowledge exchanged in the previous days.



 

​A second visit was organized to​ DESCO Recyclers, an all-rounded e-waste management facility in Johannesburg, where participants benefited from a guided tour and witnessed dismantling, refurbishment and recycling of e-waste.





Closing event (24 April 2026)

​A high-level closing event was hosted at the Residence of the Ambassador of Colombia in South Africa on 24 April 2026, to formally close the series of three study tours and acknowledge the impact of the international exchange initiative in participating countries.​