But many companies and individuals fail to adhere to the policy, raising fears of health and environmental damage due to hazardous toxic waste. This has forced Uganda to ban imports of used ICT equipment, while Zambia warns it will be forced to impose a similar ban if the dumping of old ICT equipment continues.

In the East African region, only Kenya has e-waste management plants. They were set up by Hewlett-Packard, the Ireland-based Camara education organization and Consumer For Schools in Kenya in collaboration with the National City Council of Kenya and the Local Embakasi Community.

In the Southern Africa region, only South Africa has e-waste recycling plants, provided by private companies.