The Malawi Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund has achieved a historic milestone by electrifying more than 200,000 households in just thirteen months, exceeding expectations and accelerating Malawi’s journey toward energy access for all. Beginning installations in September 2023, the Fund reached this remarkable target by October 2024, showcasing the collective efforts of its eight portfolio companies: Yellow, Zuwa Energy, Green Impact Technologies, VITALITE Group Malawi, SunnyMoney Malawi, RECAPO SOLAR SYSTEMS, Sollys Energy, and StarTimes Malawi.
Despite facing economic and climate challenges, the Fund’s resilience in delivering sustainable solutions to rural Malawi stands as a testament to its commitment. By providing electricity to over 900,000 beneficiaries—4.5% of Malawi’s population—the initiative has significantly improved the quality of life for communities across the nation.
This achievement is supported by the innovative financing model of market-based lending and Results-Based Financing (RBF) grants, provided with the assistance of The World Bank. The grants, designed to bridge the affordability gap, have enabled households to access solar energy at reduced costs, propelling the Fund’s rapid success.
The Ngwee Fund’s leadership has positioned Malawi as the fastest-growing off-grid energy market in East Africa. Looking ahead, the Fund is on track to achieve its next milestone of connecting 250,000 households to solar energy by June 2025.
Story 2: Lighting Lives: Transforming Rural Malawi Through Solar Energy
In rural Malawi, the glow of solar lights is replacing the dim flicker of candles and mobile phones, marking a profound transformation for communities previously left in the dark. The Malawi Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund, through its dedication and innovation, has electrified over 200,000 households in just thirteen months, beginning in September 2023. This rapid progress is driven by the efforts of eight private off-grid solar companies supported by the Fund.
Rose John Soko, a beneficiary in Chiradzulu District, reflects the program’s impact:
“I have always wanted the solar lights inside my house, because for a long time, I was using either a candle or a mobile phone light every night, but now I have been able to access it at an affordable price,” she says with pride.
The Fund, managed by the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) under the Ministry of Energy-Malawi, has deployed more than 96% of its committed loans and grants, benefiting over 900,000 Malawians. The Results-Based Financing (RBF) grants, funded by The World Bank, act as an end-user subsidy, bridging affordability gaps and enabling households to access clean, reliable energy.
Malawi’s rise as East Africa’s fastest-growing off-grid energy market is not just about numbers—it’s about lives transformed. With its sights set on electrifying 250,000 households by June 2025, the Ngwee Fund continues to lead Malawi toward a brighter, greener future.