CLASP Highlights Appliance Repairability at Africa International E-Waste Conference

In October, CLASP’s Mike Ofuya discussed our work on appliance repairability at the Africa International E-Waste Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

The conference focused on:

• Global e-waste trends.

• The impact of technological advancements on recycling.

• The urgent need for effective solar and battery waste management as Africa’s renewable energy sector expands.

• The importance of taking into account every stage in a product’s lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to distribution, use, and disposal.

It brought together representatives from key stakeholder groups including regional governments, the private sector, development organizations, academia, and financial institutions.

Speaking on a panel focused on recycling challenges and circular opportunities for solar, Ofuya emphasized that making appliances easy to repair reduces e-waste and saves consumers money. This is particularly critical in regions that lack reliable electricity, given the high purchase price of appliances suitable for those environments. For example, in Kenya, the cost of solar refrigerators is roughly equivalent to 85% of the average annual household income, making it cost-prohibitive to replace them if they stop functioning.

Ofuya’s presentation drew on the findings of CLASP’s ongoing research into appliance repairability, the Solar Appliance Reliability Index Series. An index providing criteria for assessing and scoring the repairability of solar water pumps, solar fans, and solar refrigerators is forthcoming in 2026.