When a devastating storm wiped out 30% of Malawi’s electricity generation in days, the country faced a choice: Rebuild as before or reimagine its energy future. The country’s response offers a blueprint for the continent’s power transformation.
In just four years, Malawi has increased electricity access from 12% in 2020 to 25% in 2024 — a faster electrification rate than the previous four decades combined. This progress comes despite significant challenges. Three years ago, Storm Ana devastated Malawi, displacing thousands and crippling vital infrastructure, including the country's hydropower-reliant energy grid, which lost around half of its generation capacity within days.
For a country where hydropower supplies 70% of electricity, the storm’s aftermath underscored a harsh reality: Africa's energy systems remain highly vulnerable to climate change. Malawi's ability to recover and expand access underscores the urgent need to strengthen energy resilience and accelerate the transition to reliable, clean power sources across the country and continent.
About the authors
Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is the president of Malawi. Formerly a church leader, he entered politics in 2014, became leader of the opposition, and later won Malawi’s historic 2020 election rerun. His governance focuses on servant leadership, economic growth, and rule of law, alongside global advocacy for climate justice and fair trade.
Woochong Um
Woochong Um is the new chief executive officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, or GEAPP. Following a distinguished career at the Asian Development Bank, Woochong brings a wealth of experience and expertise in sustainable development, climate financing, and strategic development to GEAPP.
