Ibrahim Matola

Today, I had the privilege of returning to the Nanjoka Solar Power Plant in Salima district—a site that has transformed dramatically since my last visit in February this year. What I found was more than just infrastructure nearing completion; it was a vision of energy independence taking tangible form. A vision where Salima and surrounding communities will soon be powered by clean, reliable solar energy, backed by cutting-edge battery storage technology that ensures consistency even during our cloudiest winter months.

As I walked through the site with EGENCO Chief Executive Officer Maxon Chitawo and my technical team led by Principal Secretary Engineer Alfonso Chikuni, I was struck by the remarkable progress. Where once there was only excavation and water, today stands a sea of solar panels—90% of the work now complete. Development, not as a distant promise, but as a lived reality taking shape before our eyes.

Standing among the stakeholders, including representatives from National Bank, I was reminded of why we serve. The Nanjoka Solar Power Plant is not just a project—it's a commitment. A commitment to energy security. A commitment to sustainable development. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera and his ATM plus M strategy, we are steadily building the energy foundation that will power Malawi's transformation toward our 2063 aspirations.

EGENCO is working systematically in phases, with 3.4 megawatts set for commissioning by early September and the full 10 megawatts operational by December. This methodical approach, while facing minor contractor challenges around final works completion, demonstrates our commitment to quality and sustainability. The battery energy storage system (BESS) will provide two hours of backup power, ensuring reliable electricity even during June's minimal cloud cover periods.

Beyond powering homes in Chipoka and Salima town, this plant addresses a critical need for our tourism sector—one of our key foreign exchange earners. The intermittent power supply that has long plagued this tourism hub will become a thing of the past, unlocking economic opportunities and enhancing visitor experiences.

To the people of Salima, this is more than solar power—it is possibility. It is what it means when we say: Together; Taking Our Development Forward.

Ministry Of Energy-Malawi

Today, I had the honour of accompanying His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera , President of the Republic of Malawi, to commission a MAREP site at Bisai Trading Centre in Lilongwe Nyanja constituency. What we witnessed was more than just another electrification milestone; it was hope being switched on, one connection at a time. A testament to our unwavering commitment that no Malawian should live in darkness.

As His Excellency flipped the ceremonial switch, I watched as light transformed not just homes, but lives. This site will directly serve 280 households—75 of which have already paid their connection fees and now enjoy the dignity of electricity, while the remaining families will be connected starting tomorrow. Development, not as a distant promise, but as an immediate reality taking root in our communities.

Standing among the residents of Bisai, I was reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as servants of the people. This MAREP site is not just infrastructure—it's a bridge. A bridge connecting families to opportunity, students to knowledge, and entrepreneurs to prosperity. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, we are methodically building the Malawi envisioned in our 2063 agenda: connected, empowered, and thriving.

Under MAREP Phase 9, we are providing electricity to 460 sites nationwide, targeting around 46,000 households—a massive undertaking that demonstrates our systematic approach to rural electrification. It is the President's unwavering dream to ensure every Malawian has access to electricity, and today we moved closer to that reality. Beyond the 280 households at Bisai, this electricity breathes life into local commerce, powering four maize mills that form the economic backbone of this trading centre. Power means more than light—it means livelihoods, it means growth, it means the mills that feed families can run efficiently and profitably.

To the people of Bisai Trading Centre, this is more than electricity—it is possibility. It is what it means when we say: Together; Taking Our Development Forward.

Today, June 26th, 2025, is a milestone moment in our mission to industrialize Malawi and improve lives. At the Ministry of Finance, the Malawi Government, through Honourable Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda, signed a historic USD 350 million IDA Grant Agreement with the World Bank for the Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project. This is not just an energy project—it is a generational investment in national transformation.

As I shared at the signing ceremony, this landmark initiative will bring power to the people—delivering 1.15 million new household connections by 2030, helping us meet our ambitious target of 70% national electrification. The 300 MW added capacity will fuel industries, create thousands of jobs, stabilize power supply in rural areas, and unlock Malawi’s potential as a regional energy exporter through the Southern African Power Pool.

This is what taking development forward looks like. It is the fruit of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership—strategic, inclusive, and relentless in delivering real change. The Mpatamanga Project exemplifies how this administration is turning policy into power, promises into progress.

We express our profound gratitude to the World Bank team, led by Mr. Nathan Belete and Mr. Firas Raad, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Public-Private Partnership Commission, and all stakeholders who have made this victory for Malawians possible.

Malawi is on the move—energized, empowered, and united. We are not just building a power station. We are building the Malawi we want: productive, equitable, and prosperous.

Ministry Of Energy-Malawi

Today's double Power Purchase Agreement signings at the Bingu International Conference Centre tell a powerful story about the investment confidence President His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera has built in our energy sector.

The morning began with Mzuzu University's groundbreaking commitment to develop a 20MW solar project—a clear demonstration of how our academic institutions have embraced the President's call for practical solutions to national challenges. The afternoon brought an equally significant milestone with Nyika Hydropower Group's pledge to invest in a 50MW hydropower facility on the Rukuru River.

When local and international companies decide to invest in our country, it shows how conducive the environment our President has created for investors. The fact that we signed two major agreements in one day at BICC reflects the momentum we have built under his leadership—from the 60MW Salima Solar plant to upcoming projects like Mapatamanga's 358MW, Mbongozi's 41MW, FUFU 261MW and Songwe 180MW (with Malawi to get half), among others.

In my addresses throughout the day, I highlighted how these partnerships exemplify President Chakwera's promise-delivery track record. Once completed, these projects will not only add significant capacity to our grid but will also demonstrate our commitment to energy diversification and climate resilience.

I spoke about our transformation from a nation plagued by blackouts to one where universities become power producers and international investors see opportunity. The halls of BICC witnessed more than ceremony today—they witnessed the manifestation of visionary leadership turning promises into reality. This is the politics of progress versus the politics of pessimism—building solutions while others offer only criticism.

Together, Taking Our Development Forward.