Dr. Janet Banda, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate in identifying and addressing the challenges facing the energy sector. Speaking in Lilongwe at the two-day Pre-lab meetings on Integrated Resource Plan and Power Sector Coordination, Banda noted that Malawi’s energy sector is plagued by severe energy poverty, with one of the lowest electricity access rates globally, currently standing at 25%.
The Pre-lab discussions aim to identify, discuss, and validate pressing issues impacting the energy sector, laying the groundwork for the main delivery lab scheduled for October 8-10 in Lilongwe. Key stakeholders will work together to craft sustainable solutions, rigorously dissecting the issues and moving forward with actionable insights.
Challenges in the Energy Sector
Similar challenges are faced by other countries, such as Nigeria, where the energy sector is characterized by:
- Regulatory uncertainty and poor enforcement of electricity policies ¹
- Inadequate transmission capacity and high technical and non-technical losses ¹
- Limited access to electricity, with only 40% of the population connected to the national grid ¹
- Overreliance on fossil fuels and limited investment in renewable energy ²
Way Forward
To address these challenges, experts recommend:
- Diversifying energy sources to include renewable energy technologies ²
- Improving transmission infrastructure and reducing losses ¹
- Enhancing regulatory frameworks and policy enforcement ¹
- Increasing access to electricity through off-grid solutions and mini-grid developments ¹
By identifying and addressing these challenges, stakeholders can work towards developing a robust and well-coordinated energy sector capable of meeting growing energy demands and driving economic growth.
