Residents of Mzimba have commended the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP) by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) for transforming lives through timely and affordable electricity connections.

Beneficiaries have highlighted the project's flexible payment options, which have enabled more households to access electricity and expand their economic opportunities.

Chikondi Masiyano, a resident of Chimkusa, explained how her household’s recent connection to the grid has opened new doors.

“Thanks to MEAP, I’ve started a hairdressing salon from home and also sell cold soft drinks. This electricity connection has truly changed my life,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Pastor Alinafe Kamzinga, echoed similar sentiments. His home and church premises are now electrified, enhancing their daily lives and services.

“Electricity has improved how we operate both at home and in our ministry. I urge ESCOM to extend this initiative to more households across the country,” he said.

According to ESCOM’s Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, Pilirani Phiri, MEAP has already made significant strides in Mzimba.

“As of June 2025, we’ve connected 2,052 out of the targeted 2,500 homes in the district. Nationwide, we’ve reached 146,000 households out of 180,000,” he reported.

He added that in the northern region alone, MEAP aimed to connect 38,000 homes, and 32,000 have already been reached.

Funded by the World Bank, MEAP is part of ESCOM’s broader mission to improve electricity access across Malawi. Households located within a 500-metre radius of an existing transformer are eligible to apply - provided their premises are wired and ready during the project timeframe.

With the project now extended to December 2025, thousands more Malawians are expected to benefit, according to Phiri.