Persistent electricity shortages that have disrupted homes, businesses and essential public services could soon ease, with the government placing its confidence in the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project as a long-term solution to Malawi’s energy crisis.
Government says it is looking to the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project as one of the major solutions to Malawi’s long-standing electricity challenges, amid continued power shortages affecting households, businesses and public institutions across the country.
Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga said on Wednesday that Malawi’s electricity generation capacity remains below national demand, with the country producing less power than it consumes. She said the gap between generation and demand has contributed to persistent blackouts experienced by consumers.
Mathanga told the media in Parliament that government is working on expanding generation capacity through different sources, including hydropower, solar and other energy projects. She said increasing supply remains critical as the country continues to face challenges in meeting growing electricity needs.
“As a country, we are now working on a new project in hydro, Mpatamanga Hydropower. Once that is done, we are looking at at least getting another 380 megawatts,” Mathanga said.
The minister said the Mpatamanga project is currently at the procurement stage, with government working to keep the project within its planned timelines. She added that the project is expected to significantly increase electricity availability once completed.
She also highlighted other ongoing interventions, including the rehabilitation of Kapichira Hydropower Station following support from the African Development Bank. The US$22.9 million funding is being used to assist with repairs aimed at restoring the power station’s capacity.
Meanwhile, communities across Malawi continue to experience electricity challenges, with many areas still not connected to the national grid. Government says it is also advancing rural electrification programmes and other initiatives aimed at expanding access as it works to close the country’s power gap.
