UNDP calls for massive investments in minigrids for Sustainable Development
The United Nations Development Programme has emphasized the necessity for substantial investments in minigrid 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, made the remarks during her visit to the Sitolo Solar Minigrid in Mchinji, which produces 80 kilowatts.
Eziakonwa stressed 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.
Furthermore, Eziakonwa highlighted the UNDP’s collaboration with the Global Environment Facility on the Africa Mini Grids programme, aimed at replication in 18 other African nations.
“The idea is that not everyone is going to be connected to the national grid immediately, so with mini grids which we are working with the government here on, communities can get connections before they wait for national grid connection,” she explained.
Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola affirmed the government’s dedication to augmenting electricity generation for both grids and off-grid systems.
“We express gratitude to the donor community for their unwavering support in the energy sector,” Matola expressed.
Edgar Kapiza Bayani, Country Director for Community Energy Malawi, disclosed that 816 customers are linked to the solar grid, which feeds into transformers and transmits at 33KV over a span of 7.2 KM, covering Sitolo, Molosiyo, and Ndawambe villages.
He further noted that presently, 3,640 individuals benefit from clean electricity, with 90 internships created to provide students in energy-related fields with valuable workplace experience.
The Sitolo 80 kW solar minigrid project was jointly developed by Community Energy Malawi and Community Energy Scotland, with a financing of $750,000 from UNDP, the Malawi Government, and GEF.
