The impact of Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee project is evidenced by the increased access to reliable and affordable electricity to the under privileged Malawians. The initiative not only enhances the quality of life for households but also contributes to the economic development by supporting local solar companies and creating jobs. By 31 December 2024, the Fund had achieved a total of 224,915 installations representing 112% of its target of 200,000.
Education enhancement:
The Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund has made significant strides in improving access to electricity in Malawi, thereby enhancing educational opportunities. The Project has accelerated growth in the education sector by offering lighting solutions to students for studies during the night for instance:
- Senior Chief Santhe from Kasungu district highlighted that the solar installations come at a crucial time when students were preparing for examinations. “With solar lights, students can study longer hours, potentially improving their academic performance”. Santhe said
- Pililani Mwamadi of John Midgley Nursery School in the area of GVH Nakondwa, T/A Kalonga in Salima district highlighted that the Solar system that they bought from Yellow Solar through the project contributed a lot to the success of the school. “With the coming of electricity at our institution we are able to gather our students even during late hours for studies. Thieves could also come and break into our institution since there was darkness”, Mwamadi said
Social-Economic growth:
Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund has also improved the Social and economic well-being for its beneficiaries. This is evidenced through the improvement of people’s living standards and growth of small-scale businesses in various areas where the project is being implemented. For instance:
- Rose Mkandawire, a resident of Kasungu, shared that acquiring a solar system will help her reduce household expenditures. She mentioned, “Solar is smart energy; now with this set, I will be able to light up my house, charge phones, and listen to the radio. Previously, I had to walk long distances just to have my phone charged.” Mkandawire Said
- Senior T/A Phuka, Thyolo shared that since he started using the solar products under the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee initiative, his life has changed. “Initially I doubted about the project, I thought this was a scum but after I got my system started using it for lighting in my house, I realised that it was very cheap and reliable. I am also able to watch TV at home”, Phuka said.
- Miss Consolata Zinyongo from the area of Group Village Head man Kachule, T/A Kachere in Dedza also expressed her gratitude to Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee initiative. Her husband died in 2004 and now she is the head of the family. “We have been living in darkness for so long. At first, we were using candles for lighting but this was expensive and my children were not able to study at night because I could not afford the bills. When I heard about this initiative, I contacted a sales agent for Green Impact Technologies and managed to get one solar PV system. Our lives have really changed,” Zinyongo said.
Security enhancement:
Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund has also enhanced security in areas where it is being implemented for instance:
- T/A Phalula from Balaka also expressed his gratitude to Ministry of Energy for the good initiative. He said initially before the coming in of the solar PV systems, they were living in fear due to Hyenas that have been terrorizing the area for a long time. “This place was like a bush where Hyenas used to live, but now with the coming of this electricity, all Hyenas will be gone. Therefore, let me thank all of you who have brought this to us. you have done a very good job”, Phalula said
- Sub T/A Chuputula Nhlane from Mzimba highlighted that the coming in of the solar PV systems in his area will assist in accelerating education in his area. “Security has been enhanced in this area with the coming in of electricity in the areas, robbery cases will be reduced,” Nhlane said. He also expressed his gratitude to the project since previously students used kerosene lanterns for lighting during studies at night but now with the coming of this Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee initiative, all that is gone,” Nhlane said.