The total volume of hazardous wastes generated in the African countries is 19.9 million tons (2016). Since 1970s, the countries of African continent have been suffering from a large movement of hazardous wastes from the major industrial countries to be dumped in their land or disposal in their territorial seas, This is an environmental racism, and is contrary to the right of all individuals to healthy and safe environment.

The main types of hazardous wastes are medical wastes, electronic wastes, nuclear and radioactive wastes, and explosive materials. These wastes have many negative health impacts and serious environmental and financial consequences.Where most countries of the continent are missing qualified manpower, necessary infrastructure and appropriate legislation to deal with such wastes.

It is necessary to raise awareness of the risks related to hazardous wastes, to deal with the countries of the third world in terms of equality and without double standards, as well as to improve infrastructure facilities and rehabilitate the regulatory institutions, equipment and technical equipment necessary for detection and dealing with hazardous wastes in Africa.