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eWaste: Africa Generates 1.7 kg/inh Least of Global- Study

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The global quantity of e-waste generation in 2014 was around 41.8 million tonnes according to United Nations University’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability study.

United Nations University (UNU) is an autonomous organ of the UN General Assembly dedicated to generating and transferring knowledge and strengthening capacities relevant to global issues of human security, development, and welfare.

The University operates through a worldwide network of research and training centres and programmes, coordinated by UNU Centre in Tokyo.

Co-authored by Kees balde, Feng wang, Jaco Huisman, Ruediger Kuehr, jennifer wong and representatives of United Nations University’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, the study revealed that in 2014 shows that approximately and only 4 Billion people are covered by national legislations.

That’s approximately four out of every seven people; though legislation does not necessarily come together with enforcement and the lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant of e-waste was generated in Africa, where only 1.7 kg/inh generated in 2014.

Total E-waste Per Category in 2014

The global quantity of e-waste in 2014 is comprised of 1.0 Mt lamps, 3.0 Mt of Small IT, 6.3 Mt of screens and monitors, 7.0 Mt of temperature exchange equipment (cooling and freezing equipment), 11.8 Mt large equipment, and 12.8 Mt of small equipment. The amount of e-waste is expected to grow to 49.8 Mt in 2018, with an annual growth rate of 4 to 5 per cent.

E-Waste Generation Per Category, Continent And Per Inhabitant

Most of the e-waste was generated in Asia: 16 Mt in 2014. This was 3.7 kg for each inhabitant. The highest per inhabitant e-waste quantity (15.6 kg/inh.) was generated in Europe.

The whole region (including Russia) generated 11.6 Mt. The lowest quantity of e-waste was generated in Oceania, and was 0.6 Mt. However, the per inhabitant amount was nearly as high as Europe’s (15.2 kg/inh.).

The lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant was generated in Africa, where only 1.7 kg/inh. was generated in 2014. The whole continent generated 1.9 Mt of e-waste.

The Americas generated 11.7 Mt of e-waste (7.9 Mt for North America, 1.1 Mt for Central America, and 2.7 Mt for South America), which represented 12.2 kg/inh.

Specifically, available records indicate that an estimated 0.1 Mt of e-waste was imported into Nigeria in 2010 and another 0.1 Mt of second hand (repairable) equipment was imported into Nigeria in 2012).

In this scenario, e-waste is usually collected by self-employed peddlers, who usually buy e-waste from consumers, while imported equipment can be used in households, or sent straight to scrap-yards Imports of hazardous waste have to comply with the Basel Convention, as evident at Otiga and computer village in Lagos.

On Regional Details Of E-Waste Management, the study suggests that in Africa, the total e-waste generation was 1.9 Mt in 2014.

Meanwhile, only Cameroon and Nigeria have enforced national e-waste related legislation, while Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya still have legislation pending approval.

The top three African countries with the highest e-waste generation in absolute quantities are Egypt (0.37 Mt), South Africa (0.35 Mt) and Nigeria (0.22 Mt).

The top three African countries with the highest e-waste generation in relative quantities are Equatorial Guinea (10.8 kg/inh.), Seychelles (10.9 kg/inh.) and Mauritius (9.3 kg/inh.).

In contrast with these relatively wealthy countries, the whole continent only generates 1.7 kg/inh. of e-waste domestically (excluding imports) annually.

The study reports that “Very few official government reports are available on e-waste management in Africa. On the continent, the e-waste challenge is on the political agenda the past couple of years, but there is generally a lack of e-waste management infrastructure, which is reflected by the absence of e-waste management laws.

“Africa, particularly the western Africa, becomes the dumping destination for e-waste from various regions of the world. This is because the East and Southern African regions have gradually put measures to prevent the dumping of e-waste, and it started to take effect. Illegal import of e-waste or used electronics from all over the world is a major source of e-waste in countries like Ghana and Nigeria.

“This is driven by the demand of inexpensive EEE and secondary materials, as well as cheap dumping prices compared to the treatment with stricter standards in the export countries. The recycling activities of e-waste in Africa are usually carried out on an informal basis, often involving open burning in unmonitored dumpsites or landfills”.

“This rudimentary recycling has caused substantial damage to the health of scavengers and local environment. If properly regulated and managed, recycling of e-waste can help to develop local economies and reduce poverty,” the study recommended.


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E-Business

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined sixty (60) other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on Al-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

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The Joint Statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly.

This underscores the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The Joint Statement highlights concerns over the misuse of Al-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

It calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

The current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of Al. It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, led the initiative for the development of the National Al Strategy.

The NDPC also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which, amongst others, mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of Al tools.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria.


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Jumia Tech Week 2026 Begins with Tech Deals on Smartphones, Electronics, and Everyday Technology

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Jumia Nigeria has announced the launch of Jumia Tech Week 2026, a two-week campaign offering customers access to discounted technology products across key categories, including smartphones, computing, home entertainment, and wearable devices.

Starting from March 2 to March 15, Jumia Nigeria’s Tech Week 2026 is themed ‘Tech Products for Less’ – a deliberate commitment by the e-commerce giant to drive down the cost of technology products for Nigerian consumers. The campaign offers significant price reductions across key product categories, enabling more Nigerians to access the devices they need at prices that reflect the company’s dedication to affordability and consumer value.

Jumia Tech Week will feature deals across a wide range of product categories, including mobile phones, computer systems and accessories, televisions and audio equipment, gaming products, home appliances, portable power solutions, health technology,, and wearable devices.

Customers will also have access to curated recommendations, including top smartphone deals, must-have accessories, gaming essentials, and home technology upgrades.

According to Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, the campaign reflects Jumia’s broader commitment to making everyday technology more accessible to Nigerians.

“Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and access to the right devices enables more people to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Ojo. “At Jumia, we remain focused on expanding access and improving the shopping experience as we continue to build Nigeria’s everyday retail destination.”

The campaign will include a range of customer engagement initiatives such as flash sales, brand days, anchor deals and interactive activities designed to enhance the online shopping experience.

Special highlight periods, described as Explosion Days, will take place on March 6 and March 13, featuring limited-time offers across selected technology categories. Customers will also be able to participate in interactive activities, including product-based games, treasure hunts,, and live shopping sessions during the campaign period.

The campaign will feature participation from leading brands including Oraimo, Silver Crest, Samsung, Ecoflow, Nivea and Aeon, offering customers a wide selection of technology, household and lifestyle products. Early access promotions already begun during the teaser period from February 16 to March 1, allowing customers to preview selected deals ahead of the official launch.

Jumia Tech Week forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand e-commerce adoption by improving access to essential products and enhancing the customer experience across its platform. As Nigeria’s e-commerce market continues to grow, Jumia remains focused on strengthening its product assortment, logistics capabilities, and digital experience to serve customers better nationwide.

Customers can participate in the campaign by using the Jumia mobile app or visiting the Jumia website and following the conversation online using #JumiaTechWeek.

 


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House Queries NDIC: ₦5m Max Payout for Failed Bank Depositors

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Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) pays between ₦2 million and ₦5 million as deposit insurance to customers of liquidated banks, Managing Director Thompson Oludare Sunday told the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters during 2026 budget defence.

House Queries NDIC: ₦5m Max Payout for Failed Bank Depositors

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House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi Jr sought details on depositor entitlements, citing Heritage Bank’s June 2024 collapse and public concerns over financial confidence.

Sunday explained NDIC’s mandate: banks pay risk-based premiums (now under 1%, down from 15/16 of 1%) to guarantee deposits. Coverage is ₦5 million for deposit money banks, primary mortgage banks (PMBs), and microfinance banks (MMOs); ₦2 million for other financial institutions.

Using BVN, NDIC auto-pays guaranteed sums without visits for amounts up to the limit. For Heritage, post-revocation, NDIC liquidated assets—selling buildings, recovering loans, realizing investments—and paid a second ₦24.63 billion dividend on January 6.

“Anything above ₦5 million or ₦2 million depends on recoveries,” Sunday said, noting ongoing asset sales and debt chases.

Committee Chairman Ahmed Jaha Babawo commended the clarity, noting the limit rose from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million recently. Over 90% of Heritage depositors got insured sums in under four days, meeting International Resolution Deposit (IRD) standards.

Babawo added liquidation dividends would be discussed in executive session.


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