Published
19 November 2007, 10:11 AM
During recent years the use of IT technology has increased substantially, particularly in emerging markets in developing countries. Projects like the ‘One Laptop per child initiative’ or our ‘Graduate Entrepreneurship Training through IT’ (GET-IT) programme aim at closing the digital divide and providing people in developing countries with access to IT. But while IT is very useful and contributes to economic development, electronic equipment poses challenges at the end of its life. This is a challenge that needs to be addressed as use of IT increases.
We recently launched a project in Africa to address the challenge of electronic waste on the continent. We joined forces with the Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) and the Swiss Institute for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) to undertake a pilot study.
Together with DSF and Empa, HP analyses how existing recycling processes especially with the informal sector can be improved. The aim is to come up with a blueprint for electronic waste management in Africa. The pilot focuses on South Africa and includes an examination of existing recycling practices in Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia.
I am exited about this project and looking forward to its progress. I think it is very important to ensure a responsible recycling system in developing countries. There are many approaches and projects going on to close the digital divide and to provide developing countries with IT equipment. But we must make sure that such countries are prepared with the linked consequences like properly handling equipment at the end of the lifecycle.
I will keep you updated on this project and I am always interested to learn about similar projects. So please leave a comment if you know about related projects and activities.
Jeannette Weisschuh, Head of Corporate Affairs , HP EMEA
To read more about our electronic waste project in Africa, click here.
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