Malawi and Solar Power: The Green Transition of the “Warm Heart of Africa”

Nestled in southeastern Africa, Malawi is a landlocked country known for its stunning landscapes and warm, hospitable people. Often referred to as “The Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is now channeling that warmth into an ambitious energy transition. At the heart of this journey lies solar energy—a clean, affordable, and scalable solution powering hope and resilience across the country.

1. Solar Power: A Solution to Malawi’s Energy Crisis

Malawi’s electricity generation has long been dominated by hydropower, which accounts for over 80% of the national supply. However, frequent droughts, aging infrastructure, and limited national grid reach have left over 75% of the population without access to electricity, especially in rural areas where access drops to below 10%.

Against this backdrop, solar energy has emerged as the most viable solution—abundant, decentralized, and increasingly affordable. For remote villages beyond the grid’s reach, solar offers not just illumination but transformation.

2. Solar for Rural Households: Lighting Up Lives

In Mzuzu, northern Malawi, a villager named John Kandafu recently installed a solar home system that powers lights, charges phones, and runs a radio—at a cost of less than $5 a month. These systems typically include a small photovoltaic panel, battery storage, a few LED lamps, and USB ports, providing essential electricity where none existed before.

To accelerate solar adoption, the government—alongside partners like the World Bank and UNDP—has promoted “off-grid solar + microfinance” models, offering low-interest loans, pay-as-you-go options, and community training programs. The result: tens of thousands of families are gaining affordable and reliable electricity for the first time.

3. Utility-Scale Solar: Rewiring the National Grid

Beyond household use, Malawi is investing in large-scale solar power to reshape its national energy profile. By 2024, several modern photovoltaic projects are operational or under development:

Kanzimbe Solar Plant – 60 MW (operational)

Golomoti Solar + Battery Storage – 20 MW (operational)

Nkhotakota Solar – 21 MW in phase one, with plans to expand to 38 MW

Bwengu Solar – 50 MW (under construction)

These projects not only increase generation capacity but also create jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce dependence on vulnerable hydropower.

4. Toward Renewable Energy for All

In its National Renewable Energy Strategy, Malawi aims to achieve 50% electricity access by 2030, with over 70% of new connections coming from solar and other decentralized systems. To support this goal, the government has:

Removed import taxes on small-scale solar equipment

Introduced quality assurance standards for solar products

Created public-private platforms to encourage clean energy innovation

Solar is also transforming public services. Over 300 rural schools and more than 100 clinics now use solar-powered lighting and refrigerators—supporting nighttime deliveries, vaccine storage, and digital learning.