By Tabbu Kitta Kauye
Malawi’s energy sector is set to converge in Mangochi this week for the National Energy Conference, which begins today under the theme “Unlocking Financing for Energy Security.”
Organized by the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and development partners, the three-day conference aims to rally public and private stakeholders around investment strategies that will boost energy access across the country.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency ahead of the event, REIAMA President Brave Mhoni said this year’s focus is on mobilizing financing for energy generation, transmission, distribution, and increased connections for both households and public infrastructure.“We want to take a deep dive into financing, globally, energy demand is growing. For Malawi to attract investment, we must make ourselves bankable and position ourselves to compete. This conference is about aligning stakeholders, taking stock, and planning for concrete action,” said Mhoni.
Malawi aims to achieve 70 percent electricity access by 2030, in line with its National Energy Policy of 2018 and MW 2063 agenda.
According to Mhoni, a key outcome of the conference will be achieving national alignment among the government, private sector, and development partners on investment frameworks and financing instruments.
Adding government’s perspective, Ministry of Energy Public Relations Officer, Austin Theu, said the conference is a strategic platform for implementing national policy.
“This conference directly aligns with Malawi’s 2063 goals of becoming a self-reliant, industrialized middle-income country. The focus on unlocking finance supports our target of achieving 70% electricity access by 2030,” said Theu.
Theu emphasized the government’s active role in the event, noting that ministries and regulatory bodies will lead discussions on strategic policy directions and reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for energy investment.
“Government will be sharing updates on regulatory frameworks and will support efforts to review what’s working and what needs to change,” he said. “Our presence ensures that all discussions remain grounded in national priorities.”
The conference will also focus on inclusive energy access, especially for rural communities.
Dedicated sessions will focus on off-grid solutions, innovative financing, and policy reforms that can help extend electricity to underserved areas.
According to Theu, outcomes of the conference will have direct impact on local communities.
“We expect actionable outcomes such as partnerships, financing commitments, and support for small-scale energy users, which will enhance access to affordable technologies and strengthen local capacity,” he added.
REIAMA President Mhoni issued a call to action for all Malawians, including the media, to take part in solving the country’s electricity challenges.
Running from July 30 to August 1, 2025, the conference is expected to draw government officials, energy developers, investors, and community leaders from across the country and beyond.
