The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) through the Centre for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Technology Development (WASHTED) in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, Self Help Africa, and Community Energy Malawi, organized a Rural Energy Access through Social Enterprise and Decentralization (EASE) Project closing dissemination workshop on 18 April 2024 at MUBAS campus in Blantyre. 

The one-day gathering was organized to share key insights and achievements made during the project implementation in Malawi.

Speaking during the event, Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the University of Strathclyde and Ease Project Manager, Mr. Damien Frame, said the project was pivotal in providing energy access to rural populations.

"Our goal was to pilot smart new Solar PV microgrids and Energy Hubs in the rural areas. These systems have shown their potential to transform remote communities and support government policy on energy access targets," Frame said.

He encouraged stakeholders to invest and support the energy sector at all levels to achieve Malawi’s energy access targets.

The Country Director for Community Energy Malawi, Edgar Bayani, said the project provides a beacon of hope for rural Malawians who struggle to access electricity energy.

"Through these innovative interventions, we are demonstrating how to accelerate energy access and transform lives. Energy has the power to change the essence of society, creating income opportunities and improving livelihoods," he said.

Bayani added that the research that was spearheaded by the academicians from MUBAS and the University of Strathclyde has been instrumental in generating enough data on energy projects and sustainable business models that can improve the social-economic status of rural citizens.

The 1.3-million-pound Project started in October 2018 with funding from the Scottish Government and it seeks to address Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) by increasing access to sustainable energy in rural communities. The project was piloted in Dedza and Balaka districts.