As the 50 megawatts Malawi-Mozambique power project approaches commissioning phase, ESCOM has secured a grant approval of USD 2. 15 million (about K3.6) to conduct feasibility studies for the Tanzania-Malawi project boosting the corporation’s efforts towards reliable power supply.
A press release from ESCOM says the grant application was made through the African Development Bank AFDB by the governments of Malawi and Tanzania for the feasibility and ESIA studies on the 400kV transmission line to be constructed from Iganjo Substation (Mbeya) in Tanzania to Nkhoma Substation (Lilongwe) in Malawi.
In the statement issued on Sunday, ESCOM Chief Public Relations Officer Pilirani Phiri said the grant had come at the rigjttime
“Coming at a time when the 50 megawatts Malawi – Mozambique (MOMA) Power Interconnector Project is almost complete for commissioning before year end, the grant approval for TAMA project is a significant step towards ESCOM’s efforts to stabilize power supply and ending power blackouts in Malawi once and for all,” Phiri said in the statement.
The statement further said the feasibility and ESIA studies will be an update to the studies that ESCOM undertook in 2008 on the Western Backbone (Nkhoma-Kasungu-Mzimba-Bwengu-Karonga) transmission line as well as the study will also review the studies that TANESCO undertook in Tanzania side in 2022.
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Reacting to the development, ESCOM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kamkwamba Kumwenda said the grant should allow for a smooth commencement of the project.
“This funding will allow us to assess the viability and potential benefits of this important infrastructure project, which has the capacity to greatly enhance energy connectivity and reliability in Malawi and the region,” he said adding that:
“As ESCOM, we are on the right track to achieving our vision of becoming a supplier of reliable, inclusive, and affordable electricity in Malawi and in the region.”
According to the statement, feasibility study and, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) are expected to take 12 months from February 2026 while ESCOM commences procurement processes of a consulting firm to carry out the studies.
