Civil Society Network on Climate Change (Cisonecc) in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (Cepa) has called for stronger coordination among energy stakeholders to accelerate access to clean energy.
They said this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting on enhancing access to clean energy in Salima District.
Speaking during the meeting, Cisonecc monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning manager Chimwemwe Kapichi said while Malawi has embarked on major energy sector reforms, progress remains slow due to weak coordination among players.
“Stakeholder collaboration is key to ensuring inclusive and sustainable access to clean energy. Platforms such as these help strengthen partnerships between State and non-State actors to push for collective solutions,” he said.
On his part, Multistakeholder Platform on Access to Clean Energy co-chairperson Titus Linzie echoed similar concerns, noting that many people live without electricity.
“The lack of electricity continues to hinder socio-economic development. We need improved coordination to complement government’s efforts and ensure every district has energy officers who can spearhead clean energy initiatives,” he said.
Ministry of Energy officer Alinafe Kasinja said the national electricity access rate remains at only 26 percent, which he described as “worrying”.
“Government is intensifying efforts to raise electricity access to 70 percent by 2030 through the expansion of mini-grids and regional power interconnections,” he said.
Kasinja commended the Promoting Equitable Access to Clean Energy (Peace) Project, saying it is helping bridge the gap in energy access through community empowerment and advocacy.
Cisonecc and Cepa are implementing the Peace Project in Salima District and peri-urban areas of Lilongwe with financial support from the European Union and Oxfam in Malawi.
The initiative seeks to empower citizens and civil society organisations (CSOs) to push for equitable access to clean and affordable energy
