E-Waste Project Official Launch Day
(UPCOMING)

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Cameroon is facing a rapidly escalating e-waste crisis driven by urbanization, population growth (over 28 million), and widespread usage of electrical equipment and electronic devices. Over 50,000 tons of e-waste are generated annually, projected to double by 2030. Major Cities like Yaoundé and Douala account for nearly half of this volume. Despite the scale of the problem, only about 55% (V.E. Manga et al., 2007) of municipal waste is collected, 7.8% is landfilled untreated and the rest is openly burned releasing toxic substances such as lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants into the environments.

​

This unchecked disposal:

• Harms low-income communities, especially women, children, and persons with disabilities.

• Squanders valuable materials like copper, gold, and rare earth elements.

• Undermines public health and pollutes air, soil, and water.

• Operates under outdated, weakly enforced regulations.

Without urgent action, Cameroon will face worsening environmental, health, and economic losses, missing opportunities to formalize a green sector and create thousands of jobs.

The result is:

• Severe environmental degradation (air, soil, water pollution).

• Public health risks (respiratory illnesses, neurological damage).

• Loss of valuable materials (copper, gold, rare earths) worth millions annually.

• Weak enforcement of outdated regulations.

• Unsafe and informal dismantling practices.

Without coordinated action, the e-waste crisis will deepen, eroding environmental resilience and economic opportunity in Cameroon.​ ​

​

PROJECT GOALS

To establish a sustainable, circular, and technology-driven e-waste management system that diverts 100% of electronic waste from landfills by 2030, while creating green jobs, formalizing the informal sector, and reducing environmental and health risks.

​

PROJECT OBJECTIVES​

1. Establish 110 collection centers and 7 repair hubs nationwide.

2. Raise awareness among 8 million+ citizens on targeted campaigns.

3. Train and license 40 informal businesses to operate within a safe, regulated value chain.

4. Create 3,500 green prioritizing youth and women and the physically impaired.

5. Deploy digital and AI-based tools for tracking, sorting, and monitoring e-waste flows.

6. Advocate for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and create a National E-Waste Authority.

 

KEY ACTIVITIES

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Map and mobilize government, private sector, civil society, and informal actors.

2. Digital Tracking: Develop GIS & AI-powered systems for e-waste flow mapping and material recovery.

3. Public Awareness: Run media campaigns, school programs, and corporate partnerships.

4. Capacity Building: Train informal collectors, technicians, and municipal staff in safe, profitable e-waste handling.

5. Infrastructure Setup: Install collection points and refurbishment hubs with certified handling methods.

6. Policy & Regulation: Work with ministries to strengthen laws and enforce EPR compliance.

7. Monitoring & Certification: Annual audits aligned with the SGS Zero Waste Standard.

 

EXPECTED OUTCOME BY 2030

1. 100% diversion of e-waste from landfills.

2. 110 operational collection centers, 7 repair hubs.

3. 80% reduction in e-waste pollution.

4. 75% recovery of valuable materials.

5. 3,500 green jobs created (40% women, youth, and persons with disabilities).

6. Full formalization of 40 informal businesses.

7. Operational national e-waste dashboard.

8. Cameroon recognized as a regional leader in e-waste management.

 

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

1. Integration with PANCEC and national policies. 

2. Revenue recovery from recycled materials to finance operations

3. Public-private partnerships with electronics importers, recyclers, and municipal councils.

4. Ongoing policy advocacy for permanent institutional structures and funding.

 

​WHY SUPPORT OUR PROJECT

• Direct SDG impact: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being).

• ESG alignment: Meets global ESG reporting frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD) – measurable, certifiable impact.

• Shared Value: Turning waste into economic opportunity while protecting the environment.

• Visibility: Corporate partners’ branding on collection hubs, repair centers, and campaigns.

• Legacy: Positioning as pioneers in making Cameroon the first Sub-Saharan country to achieve zero e-waste to landfill.

 

LEAD CONTACT:
Juliet TAZA-ASABA – Founder & CEO, AFESE
📧 corporate@envirosustain.org | 🌍 www.envirosustain.org