Africa is experiencing a digital revolution. But while more people gain access to devices that improve lives, there’s a growing downside: electronic waste. Over 2.9 million tonnes of e-waste are generated annually across the continent, yet less than 5% is formally recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, informal dumps, or is burned – releasing toxins and missing out on valuable materials.
This silent wave of waste is not only an environmental concern – it’s a missed economic opportunity. Desco Electronic Recyclers, a certified South African e-waste and IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider, is tackling this challenge head-on.
“We’re not just recycling electronics,” says Giulio Airaga, MD at Desco. “We’re building the infrastructure for a circular economy, one that creates jobs, protects the environment, and delivers measurable value.”
From secure data destruction to environmentally sound recovery and second-life refurbishment, Desco operates at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. With certified downstream partners, they recover precious metals such as gold, copper, and palladium – materials that are often more concentrated in circuit boards than in mined ore.
The company is actively involved in aligning African practices with global frameworks such as the Basel Convention and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Through public-private partnerships, smart investment in automated recycling tech, and community awareness campaigns, Desco is shaping a more inclusive and responsible approach to electronic consumption.
Africa’s e-waste challenge is urgent. But it’s also an opportunity. Desco is proving that with the right systems, innovation, and willpower, Africa can lead a new kind of resource revolution – one drawer of old tech at a time.