By Patience Kapinda

Lilongwe, June 23th, Mana: Like many a household in rural Malawi, the household of one, Victoria Gama, of Mmanja Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mavwere in Mchinji district had, until in recent years, relied on either candles or battery-powered torches for light.

This had always affected progress among the rural livelihoods in the areas of education, businesses and other social activities.

"The use of a candle for lighting was dangerous and limiting in so many ways," explained Gama in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana).

But the situation is no longer the same at Gama's household, and at many rural households across the country, following the introduction of the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP), an initiative funded by the World Bank, and supported by the government of Malawi.

MEAP, is spearheading efforts to bring affordable off-grid solar power to underserved communities, like that of Gama, and many such households in rural areas.

According to the Ministry of Energy Spokesperson, Austin Theu, since its launch in 2019, MEAP has provided electricity access to over 140,000 households, lifting Malawi’s electrification rate from 19 percent to about 23 percent, with ambitious plans to reach 28 percent by the end of 2025, and 50 percent by 2030.

Theu added that under MEAP, over 249,690 off-grid solar installations were registered nationwide as of March 2025, surpassing the project's original target by more than 25 percent, benefiting over 1 million people.

This impressive milestone is attributed to the effectiveness of MEAP and growing public demand for clean, reliable energy.

At the heart of MEAP’s success is the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund (NNNF), which supports solar companies through concessional loans and grants.

"The fund has disbursed 13.9 million U.S. dollars in loans, and 3.7 million U.S. dollars in grants under its main window," explained Theu.

"Additionally, a sum of 307,082 U.S. dollars has been released under the Market Catalyst Fund (MCF), representing 54 percent of the available grant, to assist companies operating in last-mile communities where delivery costs are higher," added Theu.

The government is also promoting inclusivity by supporting Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) solar products, making it easier for low-income and rural families to access electricity without large upfront costs.

To ensure more even reach, the End User Subsidy under the NNNF helps bridge the affordability gap for eligible households, particularly in underserved areas.

It is through this bridge that Victoria Gama, benefitted from the program by purchasing a solar home lighting kit through the NNNF-supported company, Yellow Solar, and she now has four solar-powered bulbs lighting her home.

“Now, with the installed solar power, my home is bright, and life is easier and safer than when I used to light the house with candles," explained Gama.

Beyond lighting, Gama's solar system includes a built-in FM radio, making current affairs accessible to the household.

The solar energy is also creating savings and improving livelihoods in the rural areas, as another resident, Ackson Mutopa, from Mkhase Village, TA Mavwere, Mchinji, testified.

Mutopa said he no longer pays any fee to charge his phone at the market, and no longer buys batteries for his torch as was the case before.

Institutions such as schools in Mchinji are also benefiting from the solar lighting under MEAP, making learning and studying easier than before when learners had to use alternative sources of light, including candles.

“Solar lighting helps learners study in the evenings, resulting in improved attendance and academic performance: the solar lighting motivates and supports learners to excel in their studies,” explained Patrick Njobvu, Head Teacher at Waliranji Full Primary School in the district.

The solar lighting has become an in-thing in many rural households across Malawi, and the demand is growing by the day, according to George Zikani, agent for Yellow Solar company.

“Biolite is a fast-moving product in many villages because of its price and features,” Zikani told Mana in an interview. “Since November 2023, we’ve reached over 50 households – and the demand keeps growing.”

To ensure quality and sustainability, MEAP is working closely with licensed Off-Grid Solar (OGS) companies and regulatory institutions like Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), and Malawi Regulatory Authority (MRA).

The Ministry of Energy is also collaborating with local and international experts to strengthen project implementation, according to Theu, Ministry’s spokesperson.

“The Ministry uses tools like the Multi-Tier Energy Access Survey to measure impact – not just by counting connections, but by evaluating energy reliability, usage, and quality,” explained Theu,

He added: “We’ve also introduced a Remote Monitoring Platform to track solar system performance in real time.”

MEAP’s Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks further capture the social and economic impact of the project, from improved lighting in schools and clinics to income generation for rural micro-enterprises powered by solar.

As Malawi pursues its Vision 2063 goal of 50 percent national electricity access by 2030, off-grid solar continues to play a vital role, illuminating not just homes, but pathways to better health, education, and opportunity.