Country Status
In 2022, Namibia generated 17 million kilograms of e-waste, which represents 6,8 kilograms of e-waste generated per capita. Less than 0,05 million kilograms of e-waste were reported as formally collected and recycled in 2022. The 2024 National E-waste Monitor for Namibia intends to strengthen Namibia's national capacity around e-waste data collection and statistics and documents fast rising trends in the generation of e-waste. Namibia is currently making efforts to improve its regulatory framework regarding e-waste. There is no specific regulatory instrument overseeing e-waste management in the country. However, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MICT) has developed a draft National Policy on Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its Implementation Action Plan. The policy was developed throughout 2020 and 2021 with consideration of the Namibian context and inspiration from successful e-waste regulations in the region. The policy endorses the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
- E-Waste Generated (million kg): 17
- E-Waste Generated (kg per capita): 6,8
- E-Waste Documented as Formally Collected and Recycled: 0,03 million kg
- E-Waste Policy, Legislation or Regulation: No
- EPR on E-Waste: No
- Collection Target in Place: No
- Recycling Target in Place: No
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ITU and E-waste in Namibia
ITU has been providing assistance to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies of Namibia (MICT) on strengthening the national capacity on e-waste data and on developing policy instruments specific to e-waste.
- ITU – UNITAR-SCYCLE (2021 – 2024)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research SCYCLE Programme (UNITAR-SCYCLE) are working with the MICT and Namibia Statistics Agency to build national capacity on e-waste data and statistics in Namibia. The project followed a three-phased approach consisting of data preparation, statistical workshop, and national model assessment. A first phase consisted of gathering data from all relevant sources and stakeholders in Namibia. The second phase consisted in a 3-day workshop from 17 to 19 May 2021, which was attended by stakeholder groups from the Namibia Statistics Agency, MICT, Communications Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Ministry of Finance, and Town and City Councils. The workshop was delivered in cooperation with the Ugandan Statistics Office, allowing for experience-sharing on national e-waste quantitative assessment. Participants were involved in practical activities to test the SCYCLE E-waste Toolkit for e-waste put on the market and e-waste generated, using Namibia's data. During the workshop, participants produced a national roadmap to compile e-waste statistics. With continued support of the GESP following the workshop, Namibia conducted a quantitative national model assessment, the National E-waste Monitor 2024 to provide a basis for Namibia to implement policies, recycling infrastructure, and regulatory instruments more efficiently. In addition, data will help Namibia set its own national targets for e-waste collection and recycling.
ITU – UNEP (2019 – 2022)ITU, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies in Namibia developed the draft National Policy on Management of WEEE and its Implementation Action Plan. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the policy was written with thorough consideration of the Namibian context and inspiration from successful e-waste regulations in the region. To ensure fairness, inclusiveness and equity, the policy and its implementation plan were developed with extensive consultations with Namibian stakeholders, including government representatives, ministries and agencies, local authorities, businesses, private sector representatives, academia, and civil society organizations. The policy was validated by these stakeholders and submitted to the Government Cabinet of Ministers for approval, with the mission to enable a systemic change in the management of e-waste for a circular economy for electronics and e-waste.
