Namibia, like many nations worldwide, is facing an escalating challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) and plastic pollution. As technology advances rapidly and consumer demand for electronic devices grows, so does the volume of discarded electronics containing hazardous substances that threaten both the environment and public health.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has partnered with Hulina Offshore Energy to launch a national awareness campaign to address the growing challenges of e-waste and plastic pollution.
E-waste includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, televisions, and household appliances.
While these technologies have transformed communication, connectivity, and productivity, their improper disposal poses serious environmental risks. Many electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. If not properly managed, these substances can leach into soil and water sources, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
Plastic components from electronic devices further contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis, affecting wildlife, marine life, and communities.
The partnership between Cran and Hulina Offshore Energy is founded on a shared commitment to addressing these risks. Under an agreement signed in 2026, the two entities will collaborate to raise public awareness, promote responsible disposal practices and support improved waste management initiatives across Namibia.
The initiative aligns with Namibia’s national waste management policies, including its commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
Cran, established under the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009), will leverage its communication expertise and regulatory mandate to drive public education, stakeholder engagement and coordination with government institutions.
As part of the initiative, Cran has committed N$15 000 in sponsorship to support the development of communication materials, media outreach, and the promotion of the campaign through its platforms. The Authority will also work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and local authorities to ensure the campaign reaches communities across the country.
Hulina Offshore Energy will complement these efforts by providing technical and logistical support. As a Namibia-based company specialising in energy and environmental solutions, Hulina will facilitate community collection drives, develop educational
content and mobilise staff and volunteers to support outreach activities.
This collaboration ensures that awareness efforts are supported by practical opportunities for citizens to responsibly dispose of electronic waste.
A key objective of the campaign is to promote sustainable practices through active community engagement. Schools, community groups and businesses will be targeted through media campaigns, educational programmes and public events designed to raise awareness about the environmental risks of improper waste disposal, the importance of recycling and Namibia’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
The initiative will also support data collection and policy development by gathering information on waste generation and recycling trends. This information will inform future policies and programmes while supporting pilot projects, such as e-waste drop-off points and recycling collection facilities, which can be expanded nationwide over time.
The partnership will run over a two-year period, with key milestones including nationwide collection drives, stakeholder workshops, school outreach programmes and a final impact assessment. Monitoring will focus on participation rates, waste collection volumes, media reach, and community feedback to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness.
As Namibia continues to strengthen its waste management policies, including draft regulations on e-waste and plastics, the collaboration between CRAN and Hulina Offshore Energy demonstrates a proactive and coordinated response to environmental challenges.
By combining regulatory leadership, corporate expertise, and community participation, the initiative aims to promote responsible environmental practices and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Namibia. Through sustained collaboration and public participation, Namibia can make meaningful progress in addressing e-waste and plastic pollution while setting a strong example for environmental stewardship in the region.
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