Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
The Irish Government has called on Malawi to remove taxes on clean energy technologies, arguing that making cleaner cooking solutions more affordable is essential to tackling deforestation, improving public health and achieving the country’s clean energy ambitions.
Irish Ambassador to Malawi Kate Brady made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of an ethanol storage facility being constructed by B and P Investment at Machinjiri in Blantyre.Fresh Irish Potatoes Now Available at Ekhaya Farms Foods!
Brady said Ireland remains committed to supporting Malawi’s vision for clean cooking, noting that expanding access to alternative cooking fuels would help reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood while protecting the country’s forests.
She stressed that clean cooking is not only an environmental issue but also a public health priority, as millions of households continue to be exposed to harmful smoke from traditional cooking methods.
The ambassador further urged the Malawi Government to consider introducing tax waivers on clean energy technologies and products, saying current taxes are making cleaner alternatives unaffordable for many households and forcing people to continue using charcoal.Irish newborn stuns the World by growing a fang tooth overnight
Speaking at the same event, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Fenella Frost said greater efforts are needed to encourage households to adopt improved cooking stoves and other clean cooking technologies.
Frost said increasing public awareness, expanding access to affordable clean energy products and strengthening partnerships between government and the private sector will be critical in accelerating the transition to cleaner cooking methods.
Meanwhile, Director of Energy Services in the Ministry of Energy, Joseph Kalowekamo, said the government remains committed to increasing the use of clean cooking solutions across the country.
Kalowekamo revealed that the Ministry of Energy will continue engaging the Ministry of Finance on the possibility of removing taxes on clean energy products to make them more accessible and affordable.UN Women says MGCC2 has increased digital access in young women
He said the move would support Malawi’s target of ensuring that 75 percent of the population adopts clean cooking solutions by 2030, a key milestone in the country’s efforts to improve health outcomes, protect forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The launch of the ethanol storage facility is expected to strengthen the supply of ethanol, one of the cleaner cooking fuel alternatives being promoted as Malawi seeks to reduce dependence on charcoal and accelerate its transition to sustainable energy.President Mutharika Urged to Revoke Nir Ges’ Diplomatic Passport Amid Outgoing MCP Scandal
