Mutharika brings solar energy deal to Malawi from Global Africa investment summit
Malawians who do not use any form of electricity will soon have an opportunity to access the commodity following a Solar Energy Africa Campaign deal that Lilongwe has signed with the UK government at a ceremony held in London last week.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Malawi President Peter Mutharika and UK’s Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd at The Global African Investment Summit in London.
Energy Africa campaign aims to accelerate universal energy access in sub-Saharan Africa by boosting the continent’s household solar market.
The development comes as a timely intervention to a country which has only 7 percent of the population accessing electricity most of which is hydro-generated and managed by a sole utility firm, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).
The agreement will see closer working between the UK and Malawi country to power up the emerging household solar market across the country.
In his remarks, the Malawi leader hailed UK for the initiative saying industrial development in Malawi is dependent on the availability of electricity.
“One cannot speak of mining, commercial agriculture and food security, ICT, or even health and education without energy. Electricity is, in very significant ways, essential for Malawi’s socio-economic development.” Mutharika said.
Taking his turn, Nick Hurd, said: “It is unacceptable that two-thirds of people in Africa do not have access to electricity. Families are forced to rely on toxic, expensive kerosene and children cannot study after dark. On current projections the continent will not have universal energy access until 2080. That is why we must act to kick-start a solar revolution across Africa.” he said adding “And with the cost of solar panels falling, battery technology improving and appliances becoming more efficient, now is the time to invest. British businesses are already combining solar and mobile phone technology to bring clean energy to people in Africa”
The UK government -through its development vehicle, Department For International Development (DFID)- will also implement the campaign in several African countries among which are Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Rwanda.
Together with African governments, investors, businesses, NGOs, think tanks and other donors, DFID will work to increase investment in off-grid energy firms, overcome regulatory barriers, foster innovation, and accelerate delivery of solar energy systems to households across Africa.
Apologists will never change. At tacking my name for my opinion? Small minds. Tribal peasants.
Peter Mutharika ndi a bwana basi very intelligent president.
Where is it?
I wonder someone is saying that this is nonsense. Jalousie on move. Luck of appreciations on it’s best.
she was smiling
No sense
That’s good idea sir go on we have problem of electricity.
Much as we may appreciate, but those solar system will benefit those who do not pay taxes while the debt will be paid by our taxes, shame to us!
Jealousy Jealousy at its best …kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
The captions to the photos are wrong. These are either posed or with the press and not of the meetings involved in negotiations.
Talk is cheap money buys whisky. I hear this everyday nothing of substance comes out of it
So what’s so special about signing a deal that also involves other countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra leone, Somalia, Rwanda? Isn’t this proof enough that the initiative came from the british and mutharika is being praised for “bringing solar deal to Malawi”?. Is he bringing the solar deal to the other countries as well? A malawi mupusa mpaka liti?
Those of us from Mzimba started using solar energy a long timne ago. We buy solar panels from South Africa.
This is not new.
So what was the First Lady doing there when you guys were conducting government business? Is she part of the government?
Mau mau mau
Read and comprehend the story first before you comment.
If today 2015 only 7% out 15million who have access to electricy what about the past 30years ago how many people where using electricy ndiye wina azitinthawi yakamuzu zinthuzinabwino kunamizandani umphawi ndiwobadwanawo ife amalawi.
If honesty was a virtue of our government, this would be a milestone. But knowing the crop of ‘leaders’ that we have; alas! This is another opportunity to swindle Malawians.
Nothing to celebrate about here.
This is what we have been waiting for.it will ease demand for ESCOM power .We expect to reduce loses due to intermittent power supply.This is a positive move mr president.We now need to push and document industries that are coming in the processing and exporting band.Malawians must be encouraged to get involved in manufacturing and exporting.We have cheap labour,natural resources, ideas but we lack financial injection.
BRAVO APM BRAVO CLEAN ENERGY!! HYDRO EEISH PROBLEMA PA WE,FLOODS EEH LOW LEVELS EEH PYLONS VANDALISM….
Jamison Chagwa Lungu comment no 1 pole sana bwana ngojeya mpaka abwele azalongosole pa press conference. Kuthamanga magazi bwanji?
mr lungu learn to appreciate when things are going right. the rich do not use solar energy. but again your name explains your thoughts.
This is the way to go. We need clean energy solutions such as this. It is sustainable for generations to come
Welcome Mr President if the program will materialise
Ma rubbish. Piecemeal deals only benefit the elite. I do not recall seeing a Bill in Parliament authorizing the president to do this. Who is in charge here, the government or the partner?
The president has powers and he transact on behalf of all Malawians! Of course, there are certain things that require the blessing of all Malawians and that is done through parliament.