By Burnett Munthali
In a move signaling regional commitment to energy transformation, President Lazarus Chakwera has joined fellow Sub-Saharan African leaders in adopting the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a milestone aimed at expanding access to electricity and clean cooking solutions across the continent. Taking to his official Facebook page, President Chakwera expressed his government’s dedication to the vision, emphasizing the crucial role of energy in achieving sustainable development.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of a continent where millions still lack reliable electricity, a challenge that undermines economic growth, healthcare, education, and industrialization. President Chakwera acknowledged this reality, stressing that most of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depend on a steady and uninterrupted power supply in homes, industries, schools, hospitals, and public service facilities. Without energy security, the ambitions of economic transformation and improved livelihoods remain distant.
One of the key pillars of the declaration is the Mission 300 energy initiative, which aims to provide access to electricity for 300 million Africans through national compacts. Malawi, as a signatory to this vision, has pledged to stay on course in its national energy compact, ensuring that the strides made in reducing energy poverty are consolidated. The country’s target is to increase electricity access to 75% by 2030, a goal that, if realized, will significantly uplift communities and enhance productivity in key economic sectors.
President Chakwera expressed optimism about the energy summit’s outcomes, viewing it as a catalyst for increased on-grid and off-grid investments. He underscored the need for a resilient energy sector that can support industrialization and sustainable communities. The commitment to clean cooking solutions further aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on biomass and transition to environmentally friendly alternatives, easing the burden on forests and improving public health.
With the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration now in place, Malawi and its regional counterparts are expected to accelerate their energy transformation agendas. The emphasis on collaboration and strategic investments suggests a future where power shortages become less frequent, industries flourish, and millions of Africans gain access to reliable and affordable electricity. As the nation watches these developments unfold, the hope remains that this initiative will translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, bridging the longstanding energy gap and driving the country towards sustainable economic progress.
