Reliable electricity is the backbone of sustainable development—and across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), energy integration is a shared priority.

In Malawi, where frequent blackouts continue to disrupt daily life and economic productivity, the urgency for lasting energy solutions has never been greater.

One of the country’s most ambitious efforts to address this crisis is the Mozambique-Malawi Interconnector (MOMA), a $129 million project designed to deliver 50 megawatts of electricity from Mozambique to Malawi.

The initiative aims to stabilize the national grid and support SADC’s broader vision of cross-border energy cooperation.

Power Shortages Crippling Small Businesses

Persistent electricity shortages are hitting small-scale entrepreneurs hardest. In Rumphi’s Nyika area, shop owner Josephine Mkinga and barber Jaston Gondwe endure daily blackouts lasting three to four hours.

“I sell soft drinks and run a barbershop. These blackouts cause serious losses,” said Mkinga.

Similar frustrations echo across Chikwawa and Nsanje. Hajira Jafali, who runs a restaurant in Bangula, and Ruth Divason, owner of a maize mill in Dyeratu, report frequent disruptions.

“Last Friday, we had no electricity the entire day. My maize mill was completely paralyzed,” said Divason.
“Sometimes I’m forced to throw away spoiled meat due to blackouts. I lose about K150,000 ($54) weekly,” added Jafali.

Bar owner George Clever in Bereu, Chikwawa, says fuel scarcity makes it impossible to rely on generators.

“When power goes out, customers leave. I can’t afford black market fuel at K10,000 per litre,” he said.

MOMA’s Progress and Challenges

Malawi’s energy sector relies heavily on hydropower, generating around 500 megawatts—far short of the estimated 1,000 megawatts needed to meet demand. To bridge the gap, the government is ramping up domestic generation and importing electricity.

Launched on November 3, 2021, the MOMA project is a flagship initiative. According to ESCOM Chairperson Gospel Kazako, Malawi has completed its 78-kilometre stretch of the transmission line, including substations, towers, and community relocations in Mwanza and Neno.

“We’re waiting for Mozambique to finish its 172-kilometre section and the Matambo substation. Malawi needs energy to drive its Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATMM) strategy,” said Kazako after visiting Tete, Mozambique.

Mozambique’s utility, Electricidade De Moçambique (EDM), expects construction to be completed by September 30, 2025. Ankit Kumar Sharma of Larsen & Toubro Limited highlighted the engineering feat of erecting two 195-meter towers across the Zambezi River.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Vandalism and post-election violence have damaged infrastructure.

EDM’s project manager Joao Catine confirmed that a Chinese contractor is making headway on the Matambo substation.

“We aim to finish physical construction by September 30. Continued collaboration between EDM and ESCOM is crucial,” said Catine.

Toward Malawi 2063: Energy as a Catalyst

The National Planning Commission (NPC) views limited electricity access as a major obstacle to achieving the Malawi 2063 development blueprint.

NPC spokesperson Thom Khanje says the sector is making encouraging strides toward the first 10-year implementation plan, with MOMA playing a key role in reaching the 1,000-megawatt target by 2030.

Energy expert Dr. Suzgo Kaunda of MUBAS urges investment in domestic hydropower, particularly on rivers like Rukuru and Songwe, to reduce reliance on the Shire River and position Malawi as a future power exporter.

Regionally, Malawi’s challenges mirror those across SADC. Elijah Sichone, former Executive Director of the Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa, notes an overall regional deficit of 8,444 megawatts due to limited interconnectivity.

“Countries like Angola and Tanzania have excess power but aren’t interconnected,” said Sichone.

The Road Ahead

Electricity is vital to realizing Malawi’s 2063 vision—fueling agriculture, mining, tourism, health, education, and industrial growth. While importing 50 megawatts from Mozambique will cost Malawi approximately $4.5 million (K7.8 billion) monthly for five years, experts stress the importance of balancing imports with domestic generation and future exports.

By intensifying efforts to expand energy access and regional trade, Malawi can build a more resilient and self-sustaining power sector—one that empowers its people and drives long-term development.