By Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, February 12, Mana: Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola has said the European Union (EU) Energy Package for Malawi will help to boost inclusive and sustainable economic growth as it will increase electricity supply in the country.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Matola said the project is a comprehensive plan to support the strengthening of Malawi's energy sector.

"Energy is a driver for economy as electricity is vital for sustainable development for Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy to be fruitful and meaningful. We need enough generation, transmission distribution and rehabilitation of infrastructure focusing on the promotion of innovative renewable energy solutions in the country," added Matola.

He further expressed gratitude to President Lazarus Chakwera for partnering with European Union in energy sector through Growing Malawi Together (Kukuza Malawi Limodzi) and Wala Malawi Energy Programmes with the aim to advance the governance of Malawi's energy sector and boost solid, viable energy policy and frameworks for investments.

In his address, EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach said EU is committed to support Malawi's energy sector and help the country to address forex situation by allowing it to export energy.

Skinnebach announced that EU Energy Package for Malawi project is estimated to amount to over 500 Million Euros which is approximately over MK1 trillion.

"Key energy investment projects under discussion for approval include Eastern Backbone Transmission Line programme, the Mpatamanga Hydro-power plant and the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector," he added.

The project comes following Malawi-EU first investment forum organized in November, 2024 and the M300 Africa Energy Summit concluded in Tanzania few weeks ago.

The partners for the project are the Ministry of Energy, Electricity Supply Cooperation of Malawi (ESCOM) and Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) and regulator Malawi Energy Regulator Authority (MERA).