The Government of Malawi has welcomed a major boost to its energy sector following the signing of a power purchase agreement between the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) and Kenya-based Nyika Hydropower Plant.
The project, which will generate 51 megawatts of electricity, is set to be established at the Rukuru River in Rumphi, in Malawi’s Northern Region.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, ESCOM Chief Executive Officer Kamkwamba Kumwenda said the initiative is a crucial step toward stabilizing power supply in the North, which currently experiences frequent outages due to outdated infrastructure.
“Transmission from the Central Region to the North faces many challenges. The system is old and still relies on wooden poles, contrary to standard requirements that recommend steel structures,” Kumwenda explained.
Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola emphasized the importance of the project in diversifying Malawi’s power sources and reducing dependency on the Southern Region.
“Most of our electricity is currently produced in the Southern Region, making it vulnerable to climate-related disruptions. This new plant will enhance reliability, especially in the North,” said Matola.
Nyika Hydropower Managing Director Jack Muthomi noted that the agreement will not only improve power reliability but also create job opportunities for local communities and support business development in the area.
He added that much of the country’s current equipment is aging and unreliable, stressing that the North stands to benefit significantly from the new investment.
Malawi aims to increase its electricity generation capacity to 1,000 megawatts by the end of this year.
