Powering Progress: Over 134,000 Households Connected Under ESCOM’s MEAP Drive
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has connected over 134,000 households to electricity under the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP), marking a major leap in the nation’s push toward universal power access. As of 3rd June 2025, a total of 134,484 homes have been electrified, bringing ESCOM closer to its bold target of reaching 180,000 new customers nationwide.
“This project is not just about lighting homes—it’s about powering Malawi’s future,” said ESCOM’s Chief Operations Officer, Maxwell Mulimakwenda. “Electricity is a driver of economic growth, and MEAP is aligned with the Malawi 2063 development vision.”
Launched in 2021 and rolled out in 2022, MEAP focuses on connecting households within 500 metres of existing power lines in both rural and urban areas. The $71 million initiative is funded by the World Bank through the Government of Malawi.
Mulimakwenda credited recent progress to the arrival of new electricity meters in April, which enabled teams to accelerate installations. “We’ve overcome early challenges and our staff and contractors are now working tirelessly to meet—and hopefully exceed—our connection goal.”
To make connections more affordable, ESCOM has introduced flexible payment plans. Households can now pay a deposit of just K17,475 toward the full K93,200 connection fee in instalments.
For vulnerable groups—such as elderly-headed households, women-led families, and persons with disabilities—MEAP offers Ready Boards: plug-and-play units with built-in sockets and lights. These cost K64,074, with a down payment of K5,825, also payable in instalments.
ESCOM’s Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, Pilirani Phiri, urged eligible households to act now. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for households near existing power lines to connect while support from the government and the World Bank is still available.”
Phiri highlighted electricity’s wide-ranging impact: “With power, children can study at night, clinics can refrigerate vaccines, businesses can grow, and families can live more comfortably and securely.”
During MEAP’s relaunch event on 3rd April 2025 in Lilongwe, Minister of Energy Hon. Ibrahim Matola reaffirmed government commitment to energy access and generation. “We are not just expanding connections—we’re also investing in new power sources like hydro, solar, and gas to support Malawi’s energy future,” he said.
MEAP is more than a connection project—it’s a spark for national transformation.
