Malawi Nears Energy Breakthrough With Mozambique Power Interconnection Project

Malawi is set to achieve a major milestone in its energy sector as the Mozambique-Malawi (MOMA) Power Interconnection Project moves into its final stage. The project is expected to be commissioned by the second quarter of 2026 and will connect Malawi to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This will end the country’s long-standing status as an “electrical island” and allow it to trade electricity with neighboring countries.

The project includes a 218-kilometer, 400kV high-voltage transmission line running from the Matambo substation in Mozambique’s Tete Province to the Phombeya substation in Balaka, Malawi. Malawi has already completed its part of the infrastructure earlier this year. However, progress on the Mozambican side faced delays due to difficult terrain and recent civil unrest. Despite these challenges, construction is now around 90 percent complete, bringing the project close to completion.

Once operational, the interconnector will initially allow Malawi to import about 50 megawatts of electricity. This capacity can later be increased to 200 megawatts as demand rises. This additional power supply is expected to significantly improve electricity availability in the country, where power shortages have been a major concern for many years.

The project is considered a major step forward for Malawi’s economy. The country has been heavily dependent on hydropower from the Shire River, which makes the electricity system vulnerable to droughts and changing climate conditions. With this new connection, Malawi will be able to access a more stable and diversified energy supply, reducing the risk of frequent blackouts. It will also support industrial growth and improve overall economic activity.

Officials have said that the project will transform Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) from a domestic power provider into a participant in the regional electricity market. This change is expected to open new opportunities for energy trade and strengthen the country’s position in Southern Africa’s power sector.

The $154 million project has been supported by several international partners, including the World Bank, the European Union, the KfW, and the Norwegian government. In addition to building the transmission line, the project has also contributed to local development by constructing houses and improving infrastructure along the route.

As final testing and commissioning activities begin, the project highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy challenges. It is expected to bring long-term benefits to Malawi by improving power reliability and supporting economic growth.