Power Outages Continue to Disrupt Businesses as Electricity Supply Challenges Persist in Malawi

By Malawi Freedom Network Reporter
25 June 2026 | Lilongwe

Malawi continues to face ongoing electricity supply challenges, with persistent power outages disrupting business operations, slowing productivity, and increasing operational costs for companies and small enterprises across the country.

The unstable power supply has affected various sectors including retail shops, manufacturing, hospitality, and digital services, forcing many businesses to rely on alternative power sources such as generators and solar systems.

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In major cities including Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu, business owners say frequent blackouts are reducing working hours and affecting customer service delivery.

Shop owners report losses in perishable goods, while small enterprises dependent on electricity for production and communication have seen reduced output.

“We cannot plan properly because electricity is not stable. Sometimes we stay for hours without power, and this affects our sales,” said a shop owner in Lilongwe.

Increased Operating Costs

Many businesses are now spending more on fuel for generators, a situation that is significantly increasing operational costs.

Small-scale entrepreneurs say the rising cost of diesel and petrol has made backup power expensive and unsustainable for some businesses.ESCOM Condemns Vandalism That Plunged Parts of Lilongwe Into Darkness

Some traders have been forced to increase prices of goods and services to recover losses caused by power interruptions.

Manufacturing Sector Hit Hard

The manufacturing industry has been particularly affected, with production delays and machine downtime reported in several factories.

Industry stakeholders warn that continued instability in electricity supply could reduce competitiveness and discourage investment in the sector.

Calls for Urgent Energy Solutions

Business associations are urging authorities and the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to accelerate reforms and invest in more reliable power generation and distribution systems.

They emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including expansion of renewable energy projects and improved infrastructure maintenance.

Households Also Affected

Beyond businesses, households are also experiencing disruptions in daily activities, including water pumping, communication, and small-scale home businesses.ESCOM Board and Staff Union Align to Drive Corporate Turnaround

Residents say frequent outages are affecting quality of life, especially in urban areas where dependence on electricity is high.

Conclusion

As electricity challenges persist, businesses and households continue to call for urgent intervention to stabilise power supply and support economic growth in Malawi.