The need for energy in Malawi cannot be overemphasized, as a vehicle that drives sustainable economic growth and cuts across the different sectors of development. However, there are significant challenges within the energy sector of Malawi that prevents the country from relishing the transformative benefits of a sustainable and efficient energy sector.

To help tackle the energy crisis currently affecting the nation, UNDP Malawi joined other key players in the energy sector at the first national energy Conference themed “Energy: Catalyst for Sustainable Development” that took place on 29 and 30 of November 2022.

The 2022 National Energy Conference was organized by the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) in partnership with UNDP, Ministry of Energy, and other stakeholders, to deliberate, strategize and set dates for implementation of key anticipated deliverables that could see Malawi move out up on its energy commitments.

As a long-standing partner for the Malawi Government, UNDP Malawi’s Deputy Resident Representative, Challa Getachew hailed the organisers of the conference and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment in working with different partners to help the country achieve its development inspirations.

“UNDP will remain a dedicated partner to the Government of Malawi as well as to the private sector as explore on how best to leverage investments in the diversification of the energy matrix in Malawi to help bring about true last mile connections for every Malawian,” said Mr. Getachew.

According to Mr. Getachew, UNDP’s global commitment in the next 4 years it to help 100 million people escape poverty and targets 500 million people to gain access to clean energy, as part of its 6 Signature Solutions namely, Poverty and inequality, Governance, Resilience, Environment, Energy and Gender equality.

In his remarks, Minister of Energy Mr Ibrahim Matola commended UNDP and all the partners working with the Government in addressing the challenges in the energy sector.

“As the world is fighting the effects of climate change, renewable energy such as hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, green hydrogen and others are important in transitioning from fossil energy sources to clean energy sources. Malawi’s power generation is generally renewable energy – based,” said Malawi’s Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola.

Some of the key resolutions for the conference was to enhance collaboration and partnerships around energy projects to help ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the interventions.

The conference also resolved to revamp the extractive industry by amongst others, amending and updating all relevant laws to supplement the recently amended Mines and Minerals Act 2018; and to ensure strong regional cooperation, integration, and partnerships.

To contribute to an enabling environment for large-scale energy projects, the conference also agreed on the need to ensure clear, coherent harmonized policies; institutional and regulatory framework to spur investment and facilitate market development; and to ensure financial sustainability and innovative business modelling aimed at supporting Mini-grid operators in the country.

UNDP is working closely with the Government and other partners to advance the national energy priorities and promote decentralized renewable energy sources, such as clean mini grids; all of which are central to eradicating poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.