The afterlives of off-grid solar: The dynamics of repair and e-waste in Malawi

There has been profound growth in the adoption of off-grid solar devices across Sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade. However, there has been limited attention given to the afterlives of these devices and their justice implications. This is of particular concern as these increasing rates of off-grid solar adoption are across contexts in which regulatory mechanisms and e-waste infrastructure are weak or non-existent, leaving populations exposed to a range of social and ecological harms. In this paper, we examine upon research from Malawi to draw attention to the spatial and ethical dimensions of off-grid solar repair and e-waste. We demonstrate how a two-tiered off-grid solar market, regional flows, and usage practice, result in ethically complex outcomes. We emphasize how strengthening the social and material infrastructures of repair, epitomised by the role of informal repair technicians, are vital to extending the productive lifespans of off-grid solar devices in comparable settings.