Malawi has an installed capacity of 583MW and operating capacity 240MW ¹ which is dominated by around 98% hydro power from the Shire River and heavy fuel oils.

The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the national energy policy and coordination of the activities in the energy sector. The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) is the national power utility which has the mandate for Electricity Transmission and distribution; System and Market Operation (SMO); Single Buyer SB); Distribution as well as import and export of electricity. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) is responsible for regulating the energy sector. The Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) is an independent public entity that is responsible for power generation. Malawi is a member of the Southern Africa Power Pool and a member of the Regional Energy Regulators Association where it is represented by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA). The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) initiative was established to increase access to electricity in rural areas.

Malawi’s average national  access to energy currently stands at 18% made up of 11.4% grid and 6.6% off grid access ².

1. Southern Africa Power Pool, 2022

2. Multi-tier Tracking Tool