The International Labour Organization (ILO) is helping Zambia transform electronic waste into a source of decent work for young people through a new project in Central Province, according to a press release. Launched on 14 July 2026, the Sustainable E-waste Management for Youth Employment in Central Province project addresses both the growing challenge of electronic waste and limited employment opportunities for Zambian youth. The initiative demonstrates how environmental and labor challenges can be tackled together by turning discarded electronics into pathways for skills development, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
The 12-month project is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with the Government of Zambia. It aims to strengthen sustainable e-waste management while creating decent work opportunities for 100 young women and men in Central Province, including persons with disabilities. Rather than framing e-waste as solely an environmental concern, the project adopts a circular economy approach that treats electronic waste as a valuable resource.
Implementation is already underway across five target districts: Chibombo, Chisamba, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi and Mumbwa. Participating youth receive technical skills training, entrepreneurship development, occupational safety and health guidance, and work-based learning. These components equip them to safely repair, refurbish, recover and recycle electronic equipment while building viable green enterprises. Recent induction sessions introduced beneficiaries to the project’s objectives and their role in building a safer and more sustainable e-waste management sector.
The project has also raised public awareness through platforms such as World Environment Day and the Zambia International Trade Fair, highlighting the environmental and economic value of responsible e-waste management. A key strength of the initiative lies in its collaborative approach, engaging national and local government institutions, regulatory authorities, local councils and technical partners. This cooperation is helping to build an enabling environment for sustainable e-waste management while promoting inclusive economic opportunities for young people.
In the coming months, the project will expand through specialized technical training, entrepreneurship development, community awareness campaigns, strengthened e-waste collection systems and a study tour to South Africa. Project partners will learn from established e-waste management practices that can inform implementation in Zambia. As the country advances its transition toward a greener and more circular economy, the initiative shows how environmental sustainability and decent work can go hand in hand. By investing in young people, the project is laying the foundation for electronic waste to become a source of innovation, enterprise and decent employment.
