In Malawi, where the land stretches far and the sun shines bright, clean energy seems like a beacon of hope in a dark world. But hidden behind this hope is a problem. The borders of the country are like holes in a fence, letting in bad products that can hurt people’s dreams and even their lives.
In Malawi, only 12 percent have access to electricity, leaving the majority in darkness. They rely on solar panels, battery torches for lighting and phone charging, and gas cylinders for cooking.
John Sailesi, is a farmer from Livingstonia in Rumphi district. His story is like many others in Malawi, where people dream of better days. When a long dry period left his family hungry, John saw solar irrigation as a way to help. But his hopes faded when he found out that even in clean energy, there can be problems.
Without realizing it, John got caught up in the sneaky smuggling happening at the borders. The battery he bought seemed like it would last a long time and work well. But after just two months, it stopped working, crushing John’s hopes for a successful farm like delicate glass breaking.
“I bought a battery in a shop in Mzuzu. I only used it for two months. So, the battery was too heavy, and I managed to open it myself. There were only two metals inside, and the rest of it was full of glass. So, I was very sad. What is the Malawi Bureau of Standards doing?” wondered Sailesi.
Mariana Sakala from Sitolo Village Traditional Authority Ndawambe in Mchinji District faced a similar situation. She bought a torch to help light her house at night from a vendor at the trading center. She only used it for two weeks, and it stopped working. When she tried to return it, she was told that purchased goods cannot be returned.
The Malawi Bureau of Standards was set up to inspect and certify goods and services, both from within the country and imported, to make sure they meet quality standards. This helps protect consumers from unfair practices, like poor quality, incorrect quantity, misleading presentation, or incorrect labeling, following international standards. The big question is: Why are substandard and smuggled products still being sold in the market?
Steven Chalimba, deputy director of testing services at the Malawi Bureau of Standards, acknowledges that there are substandard products in the country, particularly in renewable energy technologies.
Chalimba says “The smuggling of these products into the country affects the economy, it also affects the public because if you are to replace these renewable energy frequently, it means people are losing.”
What happened to John and Agnes isn’t just a one-time problem. It shows a bigger issue with clean energy in Malawi. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority and the Malawi Bureau of Standards see this too. They’re overwhelmed by the flood of bad products coming in. They admit that smuggling is a huge problem.
Macjessie Muula, a Gas Regulation Specialist at the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority, confirms that some gas cylinders are imported into the country without following the proper procedures.
“Indeed, where there is good, there is also bad. We have seen that there are some products that are substandard. As MERA, we are working on that by conducting monitoring and compliance exercises.”
Despite heightened efforts to combat illicit activities, the Malawi Revenue Authority has reported a surge in smuggling cases. In the 2023 financial year alone, the country witnessed 419 incidents, resulting in a duty value of 1 billion, 814 million kwacha upon the seizure of these cases, while in 2022, the country registered 440 cases. According to the authority, the escalation of smuggling is attributed to hostile communities, porous borders, and numerous unofficial routes.
Steven Kapoloma, Head of Corporate Affairs at MRA, disclosed that many smugglers are involved in trafficking highly marketable goods with substantial tax values, including prohibited items.
“Smuggling is taking place throughout the country, and this is a very bad malpractice. We have introduced new patrol teams to patrol uncharted routes and smuggling-prone areas to intercept those that are bringing illegal goods. We are also working with the World Bank to start deploying drones in those areas.” says Kapoloma.
But the consequences of this unchecked infiltration extend far beyond mere inconvenience. They strike at the very heart of Malawi’s quest for sustainable development. With a national electrification rate languishing at a dismal 12 percent, the burden of progress rests heavily on the shoulders of initiatives like solar power. Yet, how can the nation march forward when its people tremble in fear, afraid to embrace the very solutions meant to illuminate their path?
This publication has found that smugglers use motorcycle operators to bring products into the country at Songwe in Karonga and the Mango route at Mchinji border.
According to Steve Yohane, President of the Cross Border Association, smuggling occurs in two ways. Firstly, traders may opt for smuggling when they anticipate delays using normal channels, considering both time and costs. For example, in Mchinji, despite having a One Stop Border Post, nearby there’s a Mangoe route where government officials are allegedly involved in promoting the smuggling of goods.
“I can say yes traders do smuggle but it depends on the situation” said Yohane.
Gender too is not immune to the sinister influence of smuggling. Women, often the backbone of rural communities, bear the brunt of substandard products’ betrayal. Denied the tools they need to thrive, they are left to toil under the yoke of darkness, their potential stifled by the shadows cast by those who seek profit at any cost.
The United Nations Development Programme emphasizes the necessity for substantial investments in Mini Grid electricity to foster sustainable and inclusive development within countries.
Ahunna Eziakonwa, the United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Director for UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, stresses that energy access should surpass merely lighting up homes; it should also uplift livelihoods.
“ For us at UNDP, development is about leaving no one behind, without electricity a lot of people are left behind , their development is on a standstill, our message is that we want more partners to come in fast in having these affordable and accessible sustainable energy” she stated.
Consequently, Eliam Kamanga, a Communication, Social Marketing, and Behavior Change Specialist for Modern Cooking for Health Forest, stresses the importance of testing technologies in the energy sector.
“You can see along the streets gas cylinders being sold; those are not acceptable.” Kamanga said.
In Malawi, clean energy holds promise for a brighter future, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2063. However, the proliferation of substandard and smuggled products poses a significant obstacle to sustainable development.
Stories like those of John Sailesi and Mariana Sakala highlight the struggles faced by many due to unreliable goods, impacting SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Green energy for all is a life changing pathway, despite recognition by authorities, increasing smuggling cases underscore the urgent need for action, aligning with SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Tackling these challenges, promoting gender equality, and empowering rural communities align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, offering a pathway to a brighter tomorrow in Malawi.
