Electricity Expansion to Energize Malawi’s Economy: Power Interconnection Set to Launch in December

Key Business Points

• The Malawi-Mozambique Power Interconnection project is set to roll out in December or January next year, with a total of 50 megawatts (MW) to be fed into the Malawi national grid, which will help alleviate the country’s power shortage and boost the production sector.
• The project’s completion will not only improve Malawi’s energy supply but also enable the country to become a fully operational member of the Southern African Power Pool, increasing its access to regional energy markets and opportunities for kubadilisha malonda (energy trade).
• The Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project, with a $350 million grant from the World Bank, aims to double the country’s electricity generation capacity and connect over one million new households to the national grid, providing a significant opportunity for maziko a kuwongolera (rural electrification) and stimulating economic growth.

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has confirmed that the Malawi-Mozambique Power Interconnection project will be completed by the end of this year, after missing its initial deadline. The project, which links Matambo substation in Mozambique and Phombeya substation in Balaka, will feed 50 megawatts (MW) into the Malawi national grid, helping to address the country’s energy deficit. According to project coordinator Maxwell Mulimakwenda, the delay was due to complex geographical features and post-election conflicts in Mozambique, which slowed down construction works.

The Ministry of Energy has also confirmed that testing will be conducted by the end of October, with project completion expected in November. The project’s completion will not only improve Malawi’s energy supply but also enable the country to become a fully operational member of the Southern African Power Pool, increasing its access to regional energy markets. Former Minister of Energy Grain Malunga emphasized the importance of prioritizing the energy and production sectors to support zinthu zokweza (economic growth) and mapelekezo a kuzalisha (industrial development).

In addition to the Malawi-Mozambique Power Interconnection project, the World Bank has approved a $350 million grant for the Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project, aimed at doubling the country’s electricity generation capacity and connecting over one million new households to the national grid. This project is expected to generate 1 544 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually once operational in January 2031, providing a significant opportunity for mphatso za nkhani (clean energy) and stimulating economic growth. With these developments, Malawi’s business community can expect improved zunguko la malonda (energy supply) and increased access to regional energy markets, providing opportunities for businesses to kugwira ntchito (thrive) and drive economic growth.

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