Standard Bank Plc has donated K11.5 million to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change to assist the launch and implementation of Malawi’s E-Waste Management Policy.

The 2024 National E-waste Management Policy goals to handle Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), guaranteeing environmental and human well being safety are in keeping with nationwide and worldwide objectives, together with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Standard Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Kondwani Mlilima stated that the partnership underscores the financial institution’s continued dedication to environmental sustainability.

“Standard Bank is deeply committed to environmental sustainability and believes that addressing the growing problem of e-waste is a vital part of our collective responsibility. This donation is part of our ongoing efforts to support initiatives that help protect our country, and we are proud to contribute to this important project,” stated Mlilima.

Worldwide there are rising considerations about E-Waste, as such, Standard Bank is optimistic that the newly developed coverage is a important step in mitigating these dangers and selling sustainability.

“The E-Waste Management Policy is integral to ensure safe and environmentally responsible management of e-waste. Therefore, as a bank that believes that ‘Malawi is Our Home and We Drive Her Growth’, are certain that the policy will address the growing challenges of electronic waste disposal and recycling,” he stated.

According to Standard Bank, the coverage is a masterpiece because it establishes an institutional framework for coordinated efforts amongst authorities establishments, the personal sector, growth companions, academia, and civil society.

“This policy aims to provide a unified guiding framework for achieving sustainable and standardized approaches to E-waste management in Malawi. The government has gone the extra mile to ensure that there is a holistic approach in the management of electronic waste,” he added.

Principal Secretary accountable for Administration within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Richard Pelekamoyo expressed his gratitude to Standard Bank for changing into a personal entity to accomplice with the ministry.

“As a ministry, we are happy that the private sector can play a role in the management of environmental issues. As tomorrow we will be celebrating E-Waste Day and launching this policy, we want to thank Standard Bank for helping us with financial resources,” stated Pelekamoyo.

He added that with the rise within the utilization of know-how, there’s a surge of E-waste points globally and Malawi is just not spared.

“E-waste is a big problem because people are using technology every day. Therefore, the management of these obsolete gadgets is vital in a sense that improper management is hazardous to the environment and people,” he stated.

The partnership between Standard Bank and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change is a part of a broader technique to foster collaboration between the private and non-private sectors for sustainable growth.

The newly developed E-Waste Management Policy focuses on six precedence areas: Institutional, Legal, and Regulatory Framework; Financing; Infrastructure Development; Capacity Building and Awareness; Research and Development; and EEE Certification.