ENERGY REFORMS - EU funded Peace project advocates for accountability and transparency
PEACE aims to ensure that citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) are better informed and empowered to advocate for their right to energy, reforms plus accountability and transparency
DOWA, Malawi (Planet Defence) - The European Union-funded Promoting Equitable Access to Clean Energy (PEACE) program, organized a multi-stakeholder meeting primarily to broaden discussions on clean and renewable energy while emphasizing the necessity of transparency and accountability within the energy sector.
Implemented by a consortium comprising Oxfam, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, and the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC). This gathering brought together government representatives, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media.
Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Malawi, encounters a significant challenge in achieving universal access to clean and renewable energy services. The region struggles to attract investments in the energy sector. Currently, it contributes a mere 0.067 percent, as reported by the African Development Bank Group, to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Consequently, this limited contribution offers few opportunities to reduce these emissions, thereby missing out on attracting climate finance projects.
Julius Ngoma, CISONECC National Coordinator, acknowledged the multitude of challenges the energy sector faces. He stressed the necessity of regularly organizing engagements focusing on access to clean and renewable energy to generate much-needed debates.
"Energy holds immense importance, but clean energy is a prerequisite in managing the impact of climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon emission country," remarked Ngoma.
Million Mafuta, Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy, emphasized the cross-cutting nature of the energy sector. He highlighted the role of energy in pivotal sectors like education, health, and socioeconomic development.
"I was impressed by the diverse cost-saving energy sources showcased during an alternative energy awareness event held at Yonamu School grounds in Traditional Authority Kalonga, Salima district," noted Mafuta. "There's a need for targeted awareness, and colleagues in the media have a crucial role in disseminating these messages to the public to advance clean energy issues," he urged the media to engage more actively.
The plenary discussion prioritized reforms, transparency, and accountability among the various stakeholders within the energy sector.
During a presentation titled, "Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms in the Energy Sector," James Namalima, Principal Economist at the Ministry, outlined plans for reforms. He mentioned the establishment of a Rural Electrification Agency (REA), placing energy officers at the council level, and enhancing sector governance and fiscal sustainability as part of the agenda.
"The Ministry aims to establish the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which will implement rural electrification activities using grid and off-grid solutions. A functional review that includes placing energy officers in districts has been completed to bolster district-level capacity for sustainable energy-related programs and projects. Furthermore, reviewing, approving, and implementing the base electricity tariff under the multi-year tariff framework is an integral part of the process," emphasized Namalima.
However, challenges such as climate change, vandalism of energy infrastructure, lack of investment, and inadequate liquid fuels and gas persist.
Namalima noted that the implementation of various reforms in the energy sector has fostered an environment attracting private investors to engage in power generation and fuel supply. He stressed the necessity for committed support from various stakeholders to achieve these targets.