Scaling Clean Energy Access In Malawi: Demand Side Subsidies Model Strengthens Path To SDG7

By Vincent Gunde

Self Help Africa (SHA), one of Malawi’s largest distributors of improved cooking stoves, has made significant strides in boosting access to clean energy technologies through demand-side subsidies.

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The initiative has already begun transforming households by introducing affordable, energy-saving cooking equipment and off-grid solar solutions, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities are not left behind on the path to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

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Presenting the results to the District Executive Committee (DEC) in Dowa, Project Manager Charles Matewere highlighted Malawi’s progress toward universal energy access saying while the national target stands at 70 percent by 2030, Malawi is currently at 25.9 percent, with projects like SHA’s paving the way for accelerated growth and called for more effort to push achieve the 2030 target in the remaining four years.

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Matewere said the Dowa’ DDP specifically aims to raise clean and affordable energy access from 37 percent to 50 percent by 2030, supported by strong engagement with service providers and community stakeholders.

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He said the DSS RBF project is designed to break affordability barriers for ultra-poor households, enabling them to benefit from Off-Grid Solar (OGS) products and Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS). It is expected to contribute to the improved use of cleaner cooking stoves, increase reliance on clean energy for cooking, and raise electricity access. These efforts are also feeding into the Dowa District Development Plan, strengthening policy frameworks for sustainable energy.

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In her remarks, Dowa District Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Mercy Mpakule, commended Self Help Africa and emphasized the importance of research into community preferences, ensuring that affordable stoves are widely adopted. She also underscored the need for transparency and accountability, urging partners to leave behind a clear legacy of impact before project exit, emulating Self Help Africa.

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SHA and CUMO have been implementing the project since June 2024, with funding of €3.42 million from the Dutch government through Endev, this investment is already reshaping energy access pathways for thousands of households.

Matewere said while challenges such as foreign exchange shortages and Kwacha devaluation have occasionally disrupted imports and squeezed supplier margins, SHA remains steadfast. Cultural reliance on traditional fuels like free firewood has slowed adoption of use of improved cooking stoves. However, these hurdles are being addressed through community engagement, fiscal incentives, and awareness campaigns.

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He said the overall trajectory remains positive; Malawi is steadily moving toward a cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.