Malawi’s Minister for Energy and Mining, Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, MP, has paid a working visit to a 10 MW biomass power plant in Chikangawa, Mzimba, operated by Raiply MW Ltd, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s energy sector and promoting local industrial production.
Raiply MW Ltd is generating 10 MW of electricity from biomass, of which 6 MW is used for its own operations, while a reliable 3 MW is supplied to the national grid through the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM).
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Dr. Mathanga emphasised the government’s determination to support private-sector investments in the energy sector:
“Today’s visit is a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to strengthening the performance, reliability and sustainability of our power sector. Power producers like Raiply MW Ltd are key partners in closing the gap between electricity supply and demand,” she said.
The Minister further assured the company of continued collaboration with ESCOM to improve grid stability, noting:
“Government is working to ensure a resilient grid and will continue working closely with ESCOM so that power producers operate without challenges.”
Beyond power generation, the Minister toured the company’s briquette and pellet production facilities, which support clean cooking initiatives.
The visit also highlighted Raiply’s local production of electricity transmission poles—an essential component of reducing Malawi’s dependence on imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The Chief Executive Officer of Raiply MW Ltd, Mr. Krishna Das, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support national electrification initiatives, while calling for improved planning coordination:
“We have invested in planting over 200 hectares of bluegum trees for pole production. However, for us to plan efficiently, it is important that MAREP and ESCOM inform us in advance of the quantities of poles they will require,” said Das.
He also expressed concern about difficulties in accessing foreign currency needed to procure chemicals for treating electricity poles—an issue that directly affects production capacity. In response, Hon. Dr. Mathanga assured the company of the government’s support:
“We have heard your concerns on foreign exchange constraints. As Government, we will engage relevant authorities and lobby for forex allocations to ensure that local manufacturers like Raiply continue to operate effectively.”
The Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Buy Malawi Strategy, stressing that supporting local producers safeguards jobs, conserves foreign exchange, and strengthens national self-reliance.
The visit underscored the importance of public–private partnerships in achieving Malawi’s energy ambitions under Malawi 2063, with renewable energy and local manufacturing positioned as key pillars for building a resilient and self-reliant economy.
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