Players in the environment and energy sector have called for renewed national commitment to accelerate Malawi’s transition to clean and renewable energy.
The appeal was made during a two-day National Dialogue on Access to Clean and Renewable Energy which was organised by The Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), in collaboration with Christian Aid, Oxfam in Malawi, and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) held in Lilongwe, which brought together government officials, civil society organizations, private sector players, and development partners to discuss ways to expand energy access and promote a just energy transition.
In an interview at the end of the dialogue, Julius Ng’oma, CISONECC’s National Coordinator, described it as a milestone in advancing discussions around Malawi’s energy future.
“As a country, we rely heavily on energy to power our homes, industries, and communities. However, most rural communities still lack access to basic energy resources. This dialogue was crucial in identifying ways we can move from fossil fuels toward clean and renewable energy sources,” said Ng’oma.
Ng’oma also noted that only about 25 percent of Malawians have access to hydroelectricity, while nationwide access to electricity, including off-grid sources, stands at around 55 percent, mostly in urban areas.
He said stakeholders at the conference emphasized the need for decentralized energy systems such as mini-grids powered by solar and other renewable sources to reach rural communities beyond the national grid.
“Electricity from the main grid alone cannot be the solution. We need mini-grids and community-level renewable systems to ensure universal access,” he explained.
Ng’oma also pointed to financing gaps as a major challenge facing Malawi’s clean energy drive, urging the government to allocate more funding to rural electrification programs and renewable projects in the national budget.
“Financing has always been a challenge. We hope government will take a leading role by investing more in the energy sector, while the private sector and development partners complement these efforts,” added Ng’oma
Representing the Ministry of Energy, Deputy Director Thokozani Malunga said the government has already started implementing financial measures to make renewable energy products more affordable and accessible in rural areas.
He said through the Ngwengwengwe Fund, administered under the Malawi Electricity Access Project, the government is offering low-interest loans to private companies and organizations involved in renewable energy distribution.
“We are offering cheaper loans so that companies can import renewable energy products and expand their outreach in rural areas. We are also providing result-based financing to help them sell solar home systems to households at a reduced cost,” Malunga explained.
He added that the government is also extending the electricity grid through the Malawi Rural Electrification Program (MAREP) and providing free solar home systems to vulnerable households who cannot afford connection fees.
“Our grid is already about 90 percent renewable. We are now focused on making sure rural communities can also access that clean power. Our goal is to make energy affordable for every Malawian household,” he added.
Hilary Aragon, Climate Justice Lead for Christian Aid, hailed the dialogue as a strong example of collaboration between civil society and government.
“It was incredibly positive to see government officials and civil society openly sharing experiences and ideas. There is a clear sense of common purpose in Malawi, everyone wants to work together to expand energy access and drive climate-friendly development,” she said.
Delegates at the dialogue agreed that a just energy transition, one that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and sustainability, is key to achieving Malawi’s development goals.
They also highlighted that poor energy access continues to contribute to deforestation, environmental degradation, and poverty, particularly in rural areas.
CISONECC and its partners pledged continued collaboration with the government to ensure that policy reforms, including the ongoing renewable energy strategy and energy policy review, fully incorporate community voices and climate justice principles.