LILONGWE – Malawi’s ministry of Energy is working round the clock to achieve the government’s goal of providing universal access to electricity by 2030.
The ministry believes that the Ngwee Ngwee Fund will help to address the electricity access challenges faced by many rural communities in Malawi.
This was revealed as the Ministry of Energy launched the initiative with an aim of scaling up the uptake of off-grid solar systems to reach 200,000 households in the rural areas of Malawi.
According to the ministry, with over 85% of the population living in rural areas, access to electricity remains a major challenge, with only 18% of households connected to the national grid.
“Off-grid solar systems have the potential to provide a reliable and affordable source of electricity to rural households, improving their quality of life and enabling them to engage in income- generating activities,” said the ministry.
It added that the Ngwee Ngwee Fund will provide cash for solar companies to purchase and install off-grid solar systems, with a focus on women-headed households and those living in extreme poverty.
“The fund will also provide technical support and training to ensure that the systems are installed and maintained properly,” it explained.
The initiative is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The launch event was presided over by the minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
