By Suleman Chitera
LILONGWE, Malawi — Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga has hailed the success of the Demand-Side Subsidies (DSS) component of the German-funded Energising Development (EnDev) Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative that is accelerating access to clean and modern energy among Malawi’s most vulnerable households.Mathanga Backs Continental Unity Agenda at African Mining Indaba 2026
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the Enabling Energy Access Through Demand-Side Subsidies Results and Learning Exchange, Mathanga said the programme has delivered significant results, reaching more than 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and over 58,000 people with solar energy products across seven districts of Nkhata Bay, Balaka, Salima, Dedza, Mzimba, Dowa and Kasungu.Citizens for Justice and Equity calls Mutharika to reverse Mathanga’s appointment.
The minister said the programme demonstrates how well-targeted subsidies can help bridge the energy access gap in Malawi, particularly among low-income families that often struggle to afford modern energy technologies.
“The DSS initiative has proven that carefully designed and targeted interventions can significantly increase access to clean energy while addressing affordability barriers that prevent many households from adopting modern energy solutions,” Mathanga said.DPP’s Jean Mathanga demands neutral security and transparency ahead of elections
According to the minister, the subsidy programme was linked to the Malawi Social Registry, enabling poor and vulnerable households to access solar home systems and improved cookstoves at reduced costs. She noted that the approach not only improved household energy access but also stimulated private sector participation by encouraging energy companies to expand their services into remote and underserved communities.
Malawi contDPP Kicks Off Campaign Training for Central Region Aspirantsinues to face significant energy challenges, with millions of citizens relying on firewood and charcoal for cooking, contributing to deforestation, environmental degradation and adverse health effects caused by indoor air pollution. Limited access to electricity, particularly in rural areas, has also remained a major obstacle to economic development and improved living standards.
Mathanga said initiatives such as the DSS programme are helping the country move closer to achieving universal access to modern energy services while supporting broader national development goals.
German Ambassador to Malawi, Ute König, commended the Malawi Government for prioritising energy access for communities that are often left behind by conventional market systems.Peter Mutharika to Be Sworn in as Malawi’s 7th President
She said expanding energy access to rural and vulnerable households is critical if Malawi is to achieve its national targets of increasing electricity access to 70 percent and ensuring that 75 percent of households have access to clean cooking solutions by 2030.
“The DSS pilot has demonstrated that targeted support can effectively help vulnerable households overcome financial barriers to accessing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy,” König said.
She added that improved energy access has far-reaching benefits beyond household lighting and cooking, including improving education outcomes, enhancing health services, supporting income-generating activities and creating new economic opportunities in rural communities.
Development experts at the learning exchange noted that the programme offers valuable lessons for future energy interventions, particularly on how governments and development partners can use social protection systems to identify and support vulnerable populations.Suleman Chitera Applauds President Mutharika’s Bold Move to Cut Ministerial Travel
The EnDev Programme, implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), forms part of broader efforts to support Malawi’s energy transition and accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals.
As Malawi works to expand energy access and reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels, stakeholders say the success of the Demand-Side Subsidies initiative provides a practical model for scaling up clean energy solutions and ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s development journey.Comrades Ntanyiwa, Mangochi praises Mathanga for fuel supply