By Mercy Nsaliwa:
Ministry of Energy Public Relation Officer Upile Kamoto on Thursday said 200,000 households are expected to benefit from Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP) which aims at increasing access of solar electricity in the country.
MEAP to be implemented with support from World Bank will be launched on 11th March 2023 at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
In an interview Kamoto said the project is expected to provide funding to eligible off-Grid solar companies to reach rural areas with solar energy.
She said the project will be implemented for two years in remote and rural areas and it will provide a capital loan of $14Million equivalent to K14 billion to eligible off – grid solar companies to reach the areas easily and expand their businesses and customers needs.
“The project will be implemented by Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi ( ESCOM) and Ministry of Energy to increase access of solar electricity in the country and raising eligible off -grid solar companies which will also boost solar markets.
“We have planned that by 4th June 2024 the eligible off — grid solar companies should reach all targeted households in remote and rural areas,” said Kamoto.
Meanwhile a statement that the Ministry of Energy released on Wednesday reads the aim of the project is increasing access of solar electricity and promoting solar energy in the country.
“Currently, the fund Manager is already processing first round of applications and disbursement of the loan will start soon.
“The project is also being funded by Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee fund an off -grid marketing development and the ministry has also hired Infrastructure Development Company Limited in a joint venture with African Grant Advisor Limited as Fund Manager for the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund, to provide the loans to small solar companies in the country,” said the statement.
