By Chisomo Phiri
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, has called on citizens to join forces in tackling the escalating electronic waste (E-Waste) crisis in the country.
Dr. Usi made the appeal during the commemoration of International E-Waste Day on Tuesday, where he also launched the National E-Waste Management Policy at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Addressing the gathering under the theme “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!”, the Vice President stressed the need for collective action in E-Waste management.
“We must work together to retrieve unused electronic devices, recycle them responsibly, and revive valuable resources. This is not just about reducing E-Waste, but also about reusing and repurposing materials to support a circular economy,” he said.
On her part, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana, highlighted the challenges Malawi faces in managing electronic waste, warning of the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal.
“As the policy takes effect, MACRA will develop regulations and technical standards, implement type approval for telecom equipment, strengthen E-Waste management frameworks, and promote public awareness through education initiatives,” she said.
Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, described the National E-Waste Management Policy as a critical framework for all stakeholders.
He said:”Our Constitution requires us to protect the welfare of our people and the environment for future generations.
“This policy aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision for environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.”
The event marked a significant step towards addressing the growing E-Waste crisis Malawi, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices for the country’s future.
