Malawi’s energy regulator and civil society groups have urged the government to urgently turn clean energy commitments into action, warning that continued dependence on charcoal and firewood is undermining efforts to deliver affordable and sustainable energy for all.
The warning followed a panel discussion organised by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) in Lilongwe to mark the International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January under the theme “Powering Progress: Clean Energy Solutions for Malawi’s Development.”
While government officials and regulators highlighted progress on renewable energy, critics said Malawi is failing to deliver affordable clean energy, putting the country off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for universal access to clean and affordable energy by 2030.
MERA acting Chief Executive Officer Dad Chinthambi said the regulator was reforming policies to support the transition away from fossil fuels.
“All we want is to be sure that our policies and our regulations are geared towards encouraging and promoting renewable energy. We are transitioning from fossil fuels to energy that is cleaner and can contribute to environmental management and socio-economic development,” said Chinthambi.
MERA says it is using regulations, consumer education and a proposed Renewable Energy Act to attract investment and reduce Malawi’s carbon footprint.
But civil society organisations argue that policy reforms have not translated into real access, especially for rural and low-income households.
According to the Ministry of Energy, electricity access has increased to 25.9%, but nearly half of the population still relies on biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood. Access to clean cooking solutions remains at about 3%.
Chief Energy Officer Gift Chiwayula admitted that structural challenges were slowing progress.
“Forex is really hindering our progress in the energy sector. We are finding it difficult to import some of the essential equipment required to expand electricity access in the country. Without adequate foreign exchange, projects are delayed, investors struggle to move equipment into Malawi, and this directly slows down our efforts to increase access to clean and renewable energy,” said Chiwayula.
Energy advocates say these constraints expose deeper failures, including weak policy implementation, limited subsidies and inadequate financing for clean cooking technologies.
Julius Ng’oma, National Coordinator for the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), said Malawi’s energy transition was excluding the poor.
“Only about 25% of households have access to electricity, and clean energy alternatives remain unaffordable for the majority. Clean energy is still for urban elites, while rural communities are being left behind,” said Ng’oma.
He warned that continued dependence on charcoal was accelerating deforestation, worsening climate vulnerability and undermining public health, particularly for women and children.
“We have policies, we have strategies, but implementation is weak,” Mr Ng’oma said.
“Without serious financing and targeted subsidies, clean cooking will remain a dream.”
Malawi is already suffering from climate-related shocks, including floods and droughts that disrupt hydropower generation.
Critics say failure to urgently expand affordable clean energy and clean cooking options risks deepening poverty, environmental degradation and inequality — turning SDG 7 into yet another unfulfilled promise.