An idea conceived at Mzuzu University and championed by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has finally come to fruition. What was the idea? The visionary professors at Mzuzu University proposed to President Chakwera the construction of a 50-megawatt solar farm at Choma in Mzuzu. Chakwera endorsed the idea, and during his recent working visit to Germany, he secured a landmark agreement to bring this project to life. Sun Power Africa Development Limited has committed to investing 70 million Euros in Malawi’s energy sector for the construction of the solar farm at Choma.
This ambitious project will span an 80-hectare area in Choma, Mzuzu, and is set to create over 100 jobs during construction, with 80 ongoing positions for the next 25 years. Mzuzu University, a growing hub of excellence in renewable energy studies, is seizing this opportunity to implement a project that not only aligns with its academic focus but also promises to boost the university’s revenue while providing hands-on learning experiences.
According to Mzuzu University Vice Chancellor, Professor Wales Singini, the university has already signed a Power Purchase Agreement with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) for an initial 20 megawatts, with the potential for expansion as the 70 million Euro investment from Sun Power Africa Development Limited materializes.
Zeno Fleck, a shareholder at Sun Power Africa Development Limited, confirmed that the company has completed all feasibility studies and is ready to proceed following the signing of the MOU. He also revealed that he will be traveling to Malawi in the coming weeks to kick-start the project.
President Chakwera, who took office in 2020 with a promise to end persistent blackouts in Malawi, has made significant strides in fulfilling that pledge. The Choma solar farm is a testament to this commitment, reflecting his dedication to modernizing Malawi’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply for the nation.
