Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has intensified calls for government to act swiftly on Malawi’s worsening power crisis, warning that persistent blackouts are suffocating businesses and slowing economic growth.

Chithyola Banda says the electricity crisis has become a national emergency that demands decisive and long-term solutions.

“We cannot continue losing productivity because of unreliable electricity,” said Chithyola Banda. “Businesses are shutting down, jobs are being lost, and families are suffering. Government must move beyond promises and deliver lasting solutions to stabilise power generation and supply.”

The opposition leader urged government to fast-track stalled energy projects and ensure accountability, saying bureaucratic delays and weak oversight are worsening the impact of load shedding on both households and industries.

“We need to see tangible results — completed projects, not just announcements,” he stressed.

Chithyola Banda also called on government to be more transparent in managing the country’s participation in the Southern Africa Regional (SAR) carbon trading programme, arguing that Malawi risks missing out on economic and environmental benefits if the initiative is not properly coordinated.

“Carbon trading has the potential to generate much-needed revenue and drive green investment,” he said.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Jean Mathanga said government is already implementing several measures to improve electricity generation while expanding the national energy mix to include renewables.

“We are broadening the country’s energy base to reduce dependence on hydropower,” Mathanga said. “This includes scaling up solar generation and other renewable sources to build resilience in our electricity supply.”

She confirmed that repair works at the Tedzani III Hydropower Station Unit 5 will soon commence following the arrival of critical spare parts for the faulty generator, which has been out of service since December 2024.

“Once completed, the Tedzani III Unit 5 rehabilitation will restore 31 megawatts of power to the national grid — a significant boost that will ease pressure on the system,” she said.

Earlier this week, Mathanga inspected the EGENCO Salima Solar Power Plant at Nanjoka, where the first phase is expected to add 10 megawatts to the grid by December this year. She said both the Tedzani restoration and the Salima project form part of a broader strategy to stabilise electricity supply and drive the country’s economic recovery.

“Our goal is to ensure Malawi no longer depends solely on hydropower, which is vulnerable to climate change,” she added. “We are building a balanced energy portfolio that guarantees consistent power for homes and industries.”

Malawi relies heavily on hydropower, which provides over 80 percent of its electricity. However, falling water levels in the Shire River — the main power source — have led to frequent blackouts and reduced generation capacity.