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At the 5th Edition of the Africa International E-Waste Conference, hosted by the WEEE Centre, Close the Gap was proclaimed as the inaugural winner of the E-Waste Awards. It recognizes more than two decades of work at the intersection of circular economy, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. The award is a milestone for us.
It underscores what Close the Gap has consistently demonstrated over the past years: that technology, when responsibly managed and equitably distributed, can be a powerful catalyst for social, economic, and environmental transformation.
From Digital Divide to Circular Impact
Close the Gap was established with a clear andambitious vision to bridge the digital divide in emerging and developing countries. Today, that vision has evolved into a comprehensive circular economy model that spans Europe, Africa, North America, and beyond, trusted by donors and partners worldwide.
To date, Close the Gap has:
- Collected over 1.7 million ICT devices
- Empowered more than 6.1 million people
- Supported 1,570 entrepreneurs
- Contributed to the creation of 4,751 jobs
These figures represent classrooms connected, health systems strengthened, entrepreneurs enabled, and communities equipped for the digital age.
Best-in-Class IT Asset Disposition, Built for Sustainability
At the core of Close the Gap’s circular economy leadership is its state-of-the-art IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) process, which is B Corp certified and globally trusted.
Through a rigorous wipe, inspect, and configure approach, we process pre-owned ICT equipment to meet the needs of:
- Educational institutions
- Medical facilities
- Entrepreneurs and startups
- Social and community-based initiatives
This model extends the lifecycle of technology and reduces electronic waste. It maximizes the social value of every device, hallmarking core values of a fair and circular global economy.
Digital Inclusion That Enhances Lives
Beyond hardware, Close the Gap’s impact is human and community-centered. Through innovation challenges, digital inclusion programs, and entrepreneurship support, we foster the creation of solutions to local challenges.
Its Impact Accelerator Fund and Close the Gap Hubs support social entrepreneurs who use digital tools to address pressing issues in education, health, climate resilience, and economic opportunity. This integration of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact aligns with global best practices that emphasize inclusive growth within circular systems.
A Circular Economy for Africa and the World
The E-Waste Award from the Africa International E-Waste Conference is an affirmation of our efforts enhancing the circular economy:
- Extending product lifecycles
- Reducing environmental harm
- Empowering communities
- Creating jobs and local value
- Embedding equity into technology systems
As the world confronts growing e-waste challenges and deepening digital inequality, Close the Gap stands as a model of how responsible technology management can drive sustainable development at scale.
Winning the inaugural E-Waste Award is a marker of a mission that continues to close gaps, connect communities, and prove that the circular economy works best when people are placed at its center.
