MTN and Ericsson have concluded their e-waste collection and awareness programme in Benin, according to ITNewsafrica.
The firms partnered on this initiative some months back to draw attention to the importance of cutting back the potential environmental hazard associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical and electronic equipment in the country.
“This initiative was not only geared towards sensitising the public on the detriment of e-waste,” says Malik Melamu, MTN Benin CEO. “But to empower them to do something about it by taking advantage of the 20 foot container to dispose of their own e-waste. We have stirred up an impactful conversation, results of which have far-reaching positive consequences for the future. We are pleased to be a part of this.”
The collection phase of the e-waste into the 20-foot container located at Stade de l’Amitié of Kouhounou has ended and collected e-waste will be transferred to the Ericsson approved recycling partner in Durban, South Africa as proposed.
Zunaid Hoosen, Country Manager, Ericsson Benin, said, “the partnership has ensured the viability of the e-waste initiative in Benin. The success of this pilot has demonstrated vast opportunities such a project can have in the region”
The firms are looking to extend the project to other African countries. The project was led by MTN, other partners are Canal plus, Diamond Bank, UNICEF, PNUD, SGS, SCB and Top Ingetract.
Photo Credit: Bert van Dijk via Compfight cc
