By Lily Kampani

Lilongwe, October 8, Mana: The Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno has called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, development partners and government agencies to find sustainable solutions to the issues impeding the energy sector if Malawi is to achieve its goal of generating 1,000 megawatts of power by 2025 and attain universal access to electricity by 2030.

Chang’anamuno made the remarks on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a delivery lab organized by the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to discuss an integrated resource plan and power sector coordination to improve the energy sector.

“The energy sector is central to the attainment of Malawi 2063 aspirations, therefore without a robust energy sector we cannot build the industries that will create jobs, we cannot power the hospitals and schools that will uplift our communities, and we cannot attract the investments that will drive our economy.

“Achieving the energy sector goals demands our commitment, unity and relentless action to ensure that every home, school, hospital and business in this country has access to reliable and affordable electricity,” Chang’anamuno stated.

The minister explained that various obstacles such as financial constraints, forex issues and procurement challenges have impeded the achievement of the goals that were set by the energy sector.

“We need to expedite the completion of key frameworks and streamline our processes to ensure that investors and developers are not let down by bureaucracy,” she said.

She also called on the delivery lab to develop a well-coordinated approach to advancing the energy sector delivery through clear and transparent systems those priorities the interest of Malawi and ensure efficient collaboration between the public and private sectors and other stakeholders.

Head of PDU, Dr. Janet Banda said they recognize that energy generation and supply as a core focus area under Enabler 6 of the Malawi 2063 requires innovative and sustainable solutions.

“One of our principal goals is to diversify our sources of energy, particularly by increasing the number of independent Power Producers (IPP) off grid and expanding our investment in renewable energy, which will help us reduce our overreliance on hydro-generated power from the Shire River,” said Banda.

Deputy Director for generation and independent power producers in the Ministry of Energy, Lucius Mawanga also highlighted financing as the biggest challenge affecting the sector but expressed hope that they will still achieve the goal of generating 1,000 megawatts of power by 2025.

The delivery labs are being supported by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) with an overall aim to increase electricity access and improve energy security and reliability in Malawi.