Airtel Zambia backs e-waste recycling initiative to create jobs for youths in Zambia

Baday noted that integrating technical training with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business management skills is key to helping young people build sustainable enterprises in the e-waste sector.

Speaking at the same event, ILO representative Felix Mwenge echoed these sentiments, pointing out that improper disposal of e-waste presents significant environmental and health hazards, but also opens up opportunities for skills development and decent green jobs.

Representing the ILO Country Director for Zambia and Malawi, Mwenge said the Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment Project aims to empower young people with the skills, equipment, financing, and market access needed to turn their expertise into sustainable employment and business ventures. He also stressed the importance of inclusivity, ensuring opportunities are accessible to women, persons with disabilities, and other groups facing barriers to employment.

Meanwhile, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Gilbert Siame, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Forestry Department Director Dr Freddie Siangulube, emphasized the urgent need for Zambia to establish effective systems for collecting, storing, treating, and recycling electronic waste in response to the country’s growing use of digital technology.

Dr Siame warned that improper burning, dumping, or dismantling of electronic devices can contaminate air, soil, and water, exposing both workers and surrounding communities to hazardous substances. He noted that activities such as e-waste collection, sorting, repair, refurbishment, and recycling have the potential to create jobs and support small businesses, provided they are supported by sound policies, investment, and skills development.

He further stressed that training for young people must be connected to real employment opportunities, access to equipment and financing, and markets that enable them to establish and grow businesses in the sector. Dr Siame also called on telecommunications companies, manufacturers, financial institutions, and public agencies to develop responsible e-waste collection and recovery systems.

This collaborative initiative brings together the Zambian Government, the ILO, the Government of Japan, Airtel Zambia, Kabwe Institute of Technology, and other stakeholders to advance responsible e-waste management and promote youth employment.

This year’s International E-Waste Day was commemorated under the theme “Fast Tech – Don’t Bin It – Bring It.”