ITU launches global training in Addis Ababa on Circular Economy and E-Waste Management
Date: 2026-03-24
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office for Africa has
commenced a week-long training programme on “Circular Economy through E-waste
Policy and Producer Action,” aimed at strengthening global capacity in
sustainable digital practices.
The
training was officially opened by Emmanuel Manasseh and is being delivered
under the ITU Academy framework, bringing together more than 24 participants
from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, and South America.
The
programme focuses on enhancing policymaking and promoting extended producer
responsibility as key mechanisms for effective e-waste management. It also
provides a platform for international knowledge exchange among policymakers,
regulators, and industry stakeholders.
As
part of the training, participants will engage in interactive group sessions
alongside a practical site visit to an e-waste recycling facility on the
outskirts of Addis Ababa, enabling them to connect policy discussions with
real-world implementation.
The
initiative is delivered in coordination with the ITU Regional Office for Africa
and is supported through funding from the Global Gateway of the European Union.
Officials
say the training underscores ITU’s commitment to supporting its member states
in advancing digital sustainability and developing effective frameworks for
managing electronic waste in an increasingly digital world.
