SCALING MINIGRIDS AND EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND PRODUCTIVE ENERGY USE
Lusca Wilson, a 34-year-old salon owner, has transformed her life thanks to the Mthembanji Pilot Solar Minigrid and the support of AMP Malawi. With reliable electricity now available, Lusca was able to acquire appliances through an appliance financing facility. She purchased a hair blower and straightener and opened her own hair salon using skills she gained in the capital city.
“I am now able to make enough money to pay back the loan, pay for my family needs and save some to grow my business. Electricity has transformed my life.”
Lusca’s story is just one example of AMP Malawi’s growing impact—demonstrating how access to clean energy can be a powerful driver of economic resilience, inclusion, and development.
A National Commitment to Energy Access
Malawi officially joined the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) in June 2023. The initiative builds on national strategies and aligns with the National Energy Policy 2018, which highlights the critical role of off-grid and minigrid systems in closing the country’s electricity access gap.
Led by the Government of Malawi in collaboration with UNDP and key partners—including the University of Strathclyde, University of Malawi, and Self-Help Africa—the program is working to create a supportive environment for minigrid development that promotes both energy access and inclusive economic growth.
AMP Malawi is guided by three core goals: enabling supportive policy and regulation, promoting innovative and sustainable business models, and strengthening networks and knowledge sharing across the minigrid ecosystem.
“Empowering rural communities in the off-grid areas through sustainable energy solutions through the Africa Minigrids Program is not just a project, it’s a movement towards a brighter, more equitable future. We promote sustainability not only for the environment but also the technology and livelihoods of the beneficiaries.” — Emmanuel Mjimapemba, AMP Project Manager
Through AMP, Malawi is empowering rural communities by promoting the productive use of energy—enabling agriculture, small enterprises, and other income-generating activities that strengthen local economies.
Highlights and Major Wins to Date
The project has already made major strides in shaping a more supportive policy environment. Geospatial mapping of potential minigrid sites and local businesses has been completed to support investment decisions. A detailed techno-economic study identified key barriers to private investment—such as affordability, currency risk, and regulatory uncertainty—and recommended reforms to improve viability. A National Dialogue brought together key stakeholders to coordinate efforts, leading to a clear government commitment to off-grid electrification and an upcoming implementation plan. The Ministry of Energy committed to coordinating next steps, including the development of a detailed implementation plan informed by the outcomes of the exchange.
Innovative Business Models Powering Rural Growth
In driving rural growth, AMP Malawi is leveraging innovative business models that align clean energy with community development. One of the most promising areas is Agri-PUE (productive uses of energy in agriculture), where the project has achieved strong early results:
- Validated Demand: Market assessments revealed strong local interest in energy services like maize milling, rice processing, and peanut butter production.
- Tailored Technology: A supplier from Kenya was identified to provide low-power, minigrid-compatible equipment that meets rural needs.
- Financial Viability: Through detailed modeling, AMP confirmed that the KeyMaker model—which supports shared-use infrastructure and optimized energy usage—can be profitable, generating income and jobs.
- Digital Integration: The One Stop Information Centre was launched to centralize data, improve stakeholder engagement, and align with national digital tools for rural electrification and clean cooking.
AMP Malawi is not just installing infrastructure—it’s actively designing models that work for entrepreneurs and can scale with demand.
Empowering Women Through Energy
One standout success under the Business Model Innovation and Private Sector Engagement component is the transformative impact of productive energy use, particularly for women entrepreneurs. At the Chipopoma minigrid site, the AMP Malawi team supported the Mtende Homecraft Cooperative in launching a bakery, enabling small enterprises—like local bakeries—to access reliable electricity and scale their operations. AMP Malawi Project Manager Emmanuel Mjimapemba played a key advisory role, providing support with the installation and operation of the bakery oven, business management, and gender mainstreaming.
“The bakery initiative, bolstered by UNDP’s support, has profoundly transformed our lives. With the income we’ve generated, we’re now able to afford school fees for our children, purchase fertilizer to enhance our crop yields, and ensure consistent meals for our families. This empowerment has not only improved our households’ well-being but has also instilled a sense of pride and independence among us women.” — Elesia Fraiser Kalua, Women Baker
This example illustrates that clean energy is more than a utility—it’s a force for social transformation, especially for women. By expanding access to productive energy and linking it to business support, AMP is enabling inclusive, community-led development.
Looking Ahead: Scaling What Works
As AMP Malawi moves into its next phase, efforts are focused on scaling successful approaches and maximizing long-term impact. Here’s what comes next:
“Access to electricity is not just about lighting homes; it’s about powering opportunities. By supporting productive uses of energy in our rural off-grid systems, we are enabling Malawians to transform their lives—whether it’s through solar-powered irrigation for farmers, energy for small businesses, or powering essential services like clinics and schools. This approach is integral to our goal of universal electrification by 2030, ensuring that energy access translates into tangible socio-economic development for our communities.” — Saidi Banda, Deputy Director for Off-Grid Electrification, Malawi
AMP Malawi is charting a course toward long-term, inclusive access to clean energy. By blending public-private collaboration with community-driven innovation, the program is proving that off-grid energy can be a launchpad for development.
Aligned with Malawi Vision 2063, the National Energy Compact, and the National Energy Policy 2018, this initiative is more than an energy program—it’s a blueprint for rural transformation, gender equity, and sustainable growth.