Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has hailed the European Union’s (EU) €500 million Energy Package for Malawi, saying it will enhance electricity supply and drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Matola described the initiative as a comprehensive plan to strengthen Malawi’s energy sector.
“Energy is the backbone of economic growth. For our Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) strategy to succeed, we need adequate power generation, transmission, and distribution. This project also promotes innovative renewable energy solutions,” Matola said.
He thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for fostering EU partnerships through the Growing Malawi Together (Kukuza Malawi Limodzi) and Wala Malawi Energy Programmes, which aim to improve energy governance and attract investment.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the country’s energy sector, highlighting that increased power generation could help ease Malawi’s forex challenges through energy exports.
The EU Energy Package, valued at over MK1 trillion, will fund key projects, including the Eastern Backbone Transmission Line, the Mpatamanga Hydropower Plant, and the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector.
This initiative follows Malawi’s first investment forum with the EU in November 2024 and the M300 Africa Energy Summit held recently in Tanzania.
The Ministry of Energy, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO), and the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) will oversee the project’s implementation.
