“We can turn the challenges of battery waste into opportunities for economic growth and environmental preservation”

Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade

“As Mauritius embraces renewable energy solutions and electric mobility, we must proactively address the increasing volume of lithium-ion battery waste.”

The transition towards a circular economy is gaining momentum in Mauritius, with a particular focus on lithium-ion battery waste management. Speaking at the Workshop on Circular Economy and the Role of Trade Policy in Mauritius for Lithium-Ion Battery Waste, The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, Dhananjay Ramful, underscored the pressing need for a structured approach to address the environmental and economic challenges posed by end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

The event, held at Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, gathered experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges surrounding battery recycling and sustainable trade practices.

Minister Ramful emphasized that with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the production of EV batteries is set to increase significantly. Consequently, early EV batteries are approaching the end of their lifecycle, raising concerns over waste management. Estimates suggest that by 2027, approximately 800,000 tons of EV batteries worldwide will reach the end of their service life.

“These critical minerals are finite resources, and their extraction has considerable environmental impacts. Battery recycling offers a viable solution to preserve natural resources while supporting the circular economy,” he stated.

At the continental level, African nations are working to strengthen their battery recycling capabilities. Minister Ramful noted that several recycling plants have been announced in West and Southern Africa to address this growing concern.

“Africa generates about 3 megatons of electronic waste per year, yet only 20% is recycled globally. This includes lithium-ion batteries, which, despite their high production costs, can be recycled to recover valuable materials and reduce energy storage costs by up to 70%,” he highlighted.

Several African start-ups are stepping up to tackle this challenge by repurposing used batteries for energy storage solutions, thus supporting local industries and reducing reliance on raw mineral extraction.

As a small island developing state, Mauritius faces unique hurdles in achieving economies of scale for battery recycling and reuse. The Minister advocated for regional collaboration as a way to overcome these challenges and reinforce circular economy efforts.

However, he acknowledged that trade-related obstacles remain: “The reverse supply chain for batteries is cumbersome and costly, partly due to the way end-of-life batteries are classified by customs – often as hazardous waste. The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, but there remains uncertainty on whether these batteries should fall under this classification.”

Addressing the classification issue, he stressed, would be crucial in facilitating efficient trade policies for battery recycling.

The Minister also highlighted the role of trade policies in supporting waste management systems and attracting investment in recycling technologies. “By fostering regional cooperation, promoting sustainable trade practices, and ensuring compliance with global environmental standards, we can encourage investment in recycling technologies and create green jobs,” he said.

The government, he added, remains committed to actively supporting research and innovation in battery recycling, strengthening public-private partnerships to develop sustainable recycling infrastructure, and engaging with regional and international partners to align policies with global best practices.

As part of its commitment to a green economy, Mauritius has developed a comprehensive Roadmap and Action Plan on Circular Economy (2023-2033) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This roadmap aims to shift the nation from a linear economy to a more resilient circular model.

Minister Ramful reaffirmed that the government’s Programme 2025-2029 prioritizes sustainability by integrating circular economy principles into trade and environmental strategies. “This approach not only reduces environmental strain, but also creates green jobs,” he added.

Mauritius is also a beneficiary of the Climate Competitiveness Project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC). This initiative supports developing countries in leveraging trade and trade policy to meet climate mitigation and adaptation objectives.

“As Mauritius embraces renewable energy solutions and electric mobility, we must proactively address the increasing volume of lithium-ion battery waste,” Minister Ramful emphasized. Improper disposal of these batteries can lead to severe environmental hazards, including soil and water contamination. Therefore, a robust waste management strategy is essential.

The Minister encouraged participants to engage in discussions and propose actionable recommendations.

“This workshop marks a crucial step forward. Our journey towards sustainability is a collective effort. Through strong collaboration, innovative solutions, and well-aligned policies, we can turn the challenges of battery waste into opportunities for economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being,” he concluded.