When Europe’s electronics become Africa’s waste: a Nigerian take on producer responsibility

The European Union is recognised for its strong environmental policies, yet much of its waste is dumped abroad. Aliyu Umar Sadiq explores what happens when used electronics are exported from the EU to Nigeria. 

By Aliyu Umar Sadiq
August 26, 2025. The export of second-hand products from the EU to Africa can benefit receiving countries, providing wider access to affordable goods. But when the fees that producers pay to finance waste treatment – the so-called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees – remain in Europe, African countries are left to handle the waste management of imported products without the necessary support…