World Bank, EU support renewable energy projects
The World Bank and European Union (EU) say they are committed to helping Malawi achieve universal access to reliable and affordable energy.
In an interview last week, World Bank country manager Greg Toulmin said the Bretton Woods institution wants to support improvements in electricity supply and the viability of institutions in the sector.
“Access to electricity is being strengthened through technical assistance and funding for grid extension and densification, off-grid solar and mini-grid development,” he said.
Toulmin said, among others, the grant from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme, the Korean World Bank Group Partnership Facility (GCF) and the Global Infrastructure Facility are instrumental in investment project preparation.
On his part, EU Delegation charge d’affaires Ivo Hoefkens said the EU External Investment Plan is designed to attract or crowd in private investors in a number of sectors, including sustainable energy.
The EU is supporting investors by providing financing advice to private sector participants in renewable energy.
Hoefkens said the K5 billion sustainable energy project for rural communities which covers Malawi and Zimbabwe, has installed four solar-powered mini-grids and energy kiosks in Chikwawa and Nsanje.
“Inclusion of solar energy is encouraged in irrigation and agribusiness projects which are part of the sustainable agriculture portfolio,” he said.
Malawi is one of the countries with the least electricity access at 12 percent, according to the 2018 Population and Housing Census.
