The
main problem facing the technology sector in Africa the lack capacity
to manufacture products and therefore, rely heavily on imported
goods. Many of which, when new, carry a premium far beyond the
wallets of potential buyers. It is down to second hand equipment to
fulfil the needs of the consumer. Africa is locked in a cycle of
receiving, fixing up and selling old electronics. It is this cycle
that drives the continued trade into developing nations. It also
drives importers to invest in containers of “junk” with the hope
that their gamble will pay off. But what can be done to break the
cycle? Regulation and transparency must be part of the solution.
Containers must be purchased at contents value and not net weight, as
well as removing the element of gambling. If change is not brought
about sooner rather than later then generations will experience first
hand the toxic effects of dumping e-waste into the environment.
Sources: Out of Control, e-waste trade flows out of the EU into developing nations, Swedwatch, 2009
Unfair Trade, e-waste in Africa, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2006
