The Malawi Government has announced plans to gradually shift towards the use of electric vehicles, with all government ministries and departments being encouraged to acquire electric-powered vehicles and motorcycles.
Minister of Energy, Dr Jean Chifuniro Mathanga said the initiative forms part of the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange and promote environmentally friendly transport.
She made the remarks in Lilongwe during the launch of the Electric Mobility Regulatory Framework and Net-Metering Rules, introduced by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).
Mathanga said the newly launched regulatory framework would provide clear guidelines for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and create opportunities for private-sector investment in the emerging industry.
She disclosed that government plans to establish electric vehicle charging stations at Capital Hill in Lilongwe as part of efforts to lead by example. She added that government would work with private companies to ensure charging facilities become readily available across the country, while encouraging entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in the sector.
The minister also urged financial institutions and investors to introduce innovative financing arrangements to make electric vehicles and motorcycles more affordable and accessible to ordinary Malawians.
The Energy Minister commended companies, including SGV, Sky Energy and Tsuyoshi Motors, for supporting government’s efforts to promote electric mobility.
Before the launch, Mathanga visited the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offices, where she toured a net-metering facility and an electric vehicle charging system.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu and Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha highlighting the link between clean energy, sustainable transport and modern urban infrastructure for the improved service delivery to Malawians.
The launch of the two regulatory instruments is expected to provide an organised framework for the development of electric mobility and renewable energy in Malawi, as the country seeks to expand the use of cleaner transport alternatives.
