As the world embraces a more sustainable future, innovative collaborations are proving essential to achieving circular economy goals. A shining example of this is the partnership between Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications, and DSV Egypt, RemakerServices, a division of DSV specializing in repair and refurbishment. Together, they are making a remarkable impact as part of the One Circle initiative, a key component of UNIDO’s Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains (SWITCH2CE) project in Egypt
The One Circle pilot aims to transform the ICT and electronics value chain in Egypt, promoting sustainability across industries. Within this initiative, Nokia plays a pivotal role as the business-to-business (B2B) arm for collecting end-of-life networking equipment and cables. These include routers, switches, servers, adapters, and other network modules used in telecommunication infrastructures by businesses, service providers, and government entities.
Defective network equipment or modules are received by Nokia from Orange Egypt. These modules undergo a thorough process of inspection, testing, and repair. It’s important to note that DSV’s activities are classified as “light repair” rather than full refurbishment. Components that cannot be repaired are responsibly scrapped, ensuring minimal waste and adherence to sustainable practices. This structured process ensures valuable materials are utilized effectively, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient ICT ecosystem.
DSV RemakerServices
This effort is strengthened by DSV RemakerServices, which provides specialized light repair and refurbishment services for Nokia’s network modules. DSV’s contribution involves conducting local repairs and refurbishments wherever possible, ensuring that equipment is restored to functionality efficiently and sustainably. Modules that cannot be repaired locally are responsibly processed at accredited recycling centers.
A cornerstone of the One Circle initiative is the refurbishment center, which has been operational since 2024 and focuses on network modules critical to maintaining ICT infrastructures. To date, DSV has collected 90 modules for repair, with an ambitious target of 2,000 modules by the end of the pilot phase. Additionally, Local technicians have been recruited and trained to ensure skill transfer and long-term capacity building.
Moving forward, the center aims to expand its capabilities, with a vision to become a regional hub for ICT refurbishment. This includes scaling operations to handle a higher volume of equipment and potentially supporting similar initiatives across the Middle East and Africa.
Contributing to the One Circle Vision
The collaboration between Nokia and DSV aligns seamlessly with the One Circle initiative’s goals of reducing raw material extraction, electronic waste, and emissions. Their joint efforts contribute to:
- Efficient Collection Processes: Nokia leverages its extensive business-to-business (B2B) network to source and collect networking equipment, ensuring a consistent flow of materials for refurbishment and reuse.
- Localized Repair and Refurbishment: DSV RemakerServices’ local facilities extend the lifecycle of devices, keeping valuable components in use while cutting down on environmental costs.
- Supporting Local Capacity Building: By engaging Egypt’s ICT and electronics ecosystem, the partnership creates jobs, enhances skills, and supports sustainable economic development.
Learn more about the One Circle pilot and how ICTs are transforming the circular economy in Egypt: Learn more.
The partnership between Nokia and DSV RemakerServices showcases a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining Nokia’s expertise in circular economy practices with DSV’s advanced repair and refurbishment solutions, this collaboration sets a new standard for responsible industry practices.
As the One Circle initiative grows, such partnerships inspire industry stakeholders to embrace sustainable models that bridge the gap between technology and environmental stewardship.
About the “One Circle” pilot in Egypt:
The pilot “One Circle”, part of the global “Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains” project, targets the ICT and electronics value chain in Egypt. Its ambition is to create a broad alliance of partners – local SMEs and multinationals – committed to transforming ICT and electronics towards a more responsible development model, for the benefit of society as a whole. Led by UNIDO, Orange, Nokia, and Cordon, and supported on the ground by e-TADWEER and Haya Karima Foundation, the initiative focuses on supporting the adoption of circular economy practices, building local infrastructure to extend the life of ICT and electronics, and creating local capacity-building opportunities for sustainable change.
About SWITCH2CE:
The global Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains (SWITCH2CE) project is an initiative that assists EU multinational companies and their suppliers from developing countries to switch to more circular economy approaches and practices in three selected value chains: Plastic Packaging, Textile & Garments, and ICT and Electronics. The overall objective is to support the “Transformation towards a circular economy”, including to contribute to sustainable growth, low carbon and climate resilient development, decent jobs creation, and safer, healthier, and pollution-free environment.
SWITCH2CE is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland, and implemented by UNIDO, in collaboration with Chatham House, Circle Economy, and the European Investment Bank. Learn more at: www.switchtocircular.eu
