Electronics & ICT, Kenya

VAWOCO Organisation combats e-waste by providing affordable, refurbished smartphones to communities that have low purchasing power. The business also offers training and certification programs to empower individuals in the field of phone repair.

The enterprise contributes to the circular economy by prolonging the life cycle of smartphones through repair and refurbishment. This reduces electronic waste, conserves resources, and minimises the environmental impact associated with the production of new devices.

Their market is low- and middle-income earners, budget-conscious phone buyers, and college and university students

Social impact

• Sensitising communities on the hazards of e-waste
• Offering training to phone collectors
• Supporting low-income communities to remain networked

Environmental impact

• Contributing to keeping the environment safe from hazardous materials by reducing electronic waste
• Reducing the number of new smartphones by repairing and re-integrating old ones into the market

Economic impact

• Making available cheaper refurbished phones to low-income communities
• Providing employment to women and youth