Launched initially at TEDxExeter 2012, Congo Calling is an awareness campaign developed by its founder Bandi Mbubi that attempts to advocate for conflict-free and fair trade cellphones. "My wish is to convince everyone to do one simple thing: to insist on fairly traded mobile phones, tablets, and games consoles, and in so doing, transform an industry and the world," he said. "The illegal trade in minerals for these devices has fuelled two decades of violent war in my home country, the DRC, and in so many others, but one small action by many could help end the violence."
According to Congo Calling, illegal mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (also known as DRC or the Congo) is an issue that not many outside of the country is aware of.
Contact Information
Congo Calling website
Congo Calling on Facebook
Congo Calling on Twitter
Conflict-Free Cellphones
'Congo Calling' Campaigns for Fair Trade Telephones
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Technology - Opportunity for companies to adopt fair trade practices in the technology industry to decrease the illegal and violent mining of minerals in conflict zones.
2. Conflict-free Electronics - Increasing consumer demand for conflict-free electronics is driving the need for companies to establish transparent supply chains that do not support conflict or human rights abuses.
3. Socially Responsible Manufacturing - Manufacturers adopting socially responsible practices for their electronics can attract a new generation of socially conscious consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable production methods.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - Technology companies have a responsibility to establish fair trade practices that prioritize the avoidance of conflict minerals to improve supply chain transparency.
2. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies need to establish transparent supply chains to assure consumers that their products are not fueling violent conflict or contributing to human rights abuses.
3. Manufacturing - Adopting socially responsible manufacturing methods is becoming increasingly important for companies in the electronics industry as they seek to stay competitive in an evolving market that values ethical and sustainable production practices.