Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera | Malawi Freedom Network (MFN) Reporter
Date: October 14, 2026
Time: 12:29 PM CAT
Malawi is expected to increase its electricity generation capacity by 125 megawatts (MW) through two power projects planned for Salima and Mzimba Districts, raising hopes of improved electricity supply and reduced load shedding across the country.
The projects involve a 75MW multifuel thermal power plant in Salima and a 50MWac solar power plant in Mzimba, developments expected to strengthen the country’s electricity generation capacity while diversifying its energy sources.
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) signed transmission connection agreements with AZA Power Solutions Limited and Quantel Renewable Energy Limited in Blantyre on October 9, 2026, marking a step towards connecting the proposed power plants to the national electricity grid.
ESCOM Chief Executive Officer William Kaipa said the projects would help address Malawi’s electricity shortages and improve the reliability of power supply.
However, while the agreements represent progress in expanding the country’s energy infrastructure, the actual benefits to households, businesses and industries will depend on how quickly the projects are completed, connected to the grid and commissioned.
How the 125MW Projects Could Improve Electricity Supply
The two projects are expected to contribute to Malawi’s electricity supply in different but complementary ways.
The proposed 75MW multifuel thermal power plant in Salima is expected to provide additional generation capacity that can support electricity supply when demand is high or other generating sources are unable to meet the country’s needs.
According to the project details, the thermal plant is expected to increase baseload generation capacity by 17 percent and reduce unserved energy by approximately 60 percent.
Baseload generation refers to electricity supplied consistently to meet the minimum level of demand on the power system. Additional dependable generation can help electricity utilities maintain a more stable supply and reduce the risk of shortages when demand exceeds available production.
The projected reduction in unserved energy is particularly significant for Malawi, where electricity shortages can disrupt industrial production, commercial activities and essential public services.
Unserved energy refers to electricity demand that cannot be met because insufficient power is available. Reducing it would mean that more of the electricity consumers require could potentially be supplied.
However, the projected 60 percent reduction is an expected outcome of the thermal project, not a guarantee that all load shedding will end. Actual results will depend on the plant’s operational performance, fuel availability, maintenance requirements and overall electricity demand.
Mzimba Solar Project Targets Northern Region
The second project is a 50MWac solar power plant planned for Mzimba District, which is expected to improve electricity supply in Malawi’s Northern Region.
Solar power offers an opportunity to diversify electricity generation away from conventional sources and make use of the country’s renewable energy potential.
The Mzimba project could strengthen the regional electricity supply by adding another source of generation to the national power system.
However, solar generation depends on sunlight and therefore varies throughout the day and with weather conditions. Its contribution to electricity security will depend on the availability of complementary generation sources, the capacity of the transmission network and, where applicable, energy storage solutions.
The project could also support Malawi’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce the risks associated with relying heavily on a limited number of electricity generation sources.
For communities and businesses in the Northern Region, the key consideration will be whether the additional generation translates into more reliable electricity at the point of consumption.
What the Agreements Mean for Electricity Consumers
The transmission connection agreements are an important step in the development of the two projects because electricity generated at a power plant must be transferred through an appropriate network before it can reach consumers.
Nevertheless, signing connection agreements does not mean the plants are already producing electricity.
Construction, technical integration, commissioning and other necessary project activities must be completed before the proposed generation capacity can contribute to the national grid.
Consumers will therefore need to wait until the projects become operational to experience any direct improvements in electricity supply.
The projects’ overall impact will also depend on whether ESCOM’s transmission and distribution infrastructure can accommodate the additional electricity and deliver it reliably to homes, hospitals, schools, farms and businesses.
For businesses that depend on uninterrupted power, improved electricity availability could reduce disruptions, protect equipment and help lower the cost of operating backup generators.
Households could also benefit from fewer interruptions, while manufacturers and other electricity-intensive industries could gain greater certainty when planning production.
These benefits, however, will depend on actual improvements in supply rather than the announced generation capacity alone.
Malawi’s Electricity Challenge Requires More Than New Power Plants
Although the additional 125MW represents a potentially important contribution to Malawi’s electricity sector, the country will need sustained investment across the entire power system to achieve lasting improvements.
Electricity security depends not only on how much power is generated but also on whether that electricity can be transmitted and distributed efficiently to consumers.
Transmission bottlenecks, distribution network limitations, equipment failures and rising demand can all affect the reliability of electricity supply, even when additional generation capacity becomes available.
Malawi will therefore need to ensure that generation projects are supported by adequate grid infrastructure, effective maintenance and sound operational planning.
The long-term performance of the Salima thermal plant will also depend on reliable fuel supplies and manageable operating costs. Meanwhile, the contribution of the Mzimba solar plant will depend on its generation profile and how effectively its output is integrated into the electricity system.
These considerations will be important in determining whether the two projects deliver their intended benefits to consumers.
What Happens Next?
The next major milestones will be the implementation of the projects, completion of the required infrastructure, connection to the national grid and commencement of electricity generation.
As the projects progress, consumers will be looking for clear information about construction timelines, commissioning dates and when additional electricity is expected to become available.
For ESCOM, the challenge will be to ensure that the proposed capacity translates into measurable improvements in supply reliability.
Also ESCOM hosts energy experts, calls for regional collaboration
The bottom line: Malawi’s planned 125MW electricity expansion through the 75MW Salima multifuel thermal power plant and the 50MWac Mzimba solar power plant offers hope for improved electricity supply and reduced power shortages. However, the decisive measure of success will be how much additional electricity reaches consumers and whether the projects deliver reliable power over the long term.
