By Myra Elias:
Community Energy Malawi (CEM) has received K429 million from the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) for a solar project in Chisenga Village, Mchinji District.
Principal Secretary responsible for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Francis Zhuwao commended USADF for the support, which he said would help many people.
“These initiatives are very helpful in boosting the country’s productivity and creating more room for industrialisation,” Zhuwao said.
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At the signing ceremony, CEM Country Director Edgar Bayani said the funds would enhance CEM’s ability to provide affordable energy in Chisenga Village.
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The funds will be used to build a 60kw solar mini grid which will boost incomes and productivity for the traders.
“In the village, at present, there are around 1,800 households and as of now, about 750 households have been connected to electricity by CEM,” Bayani said.
In addition to receiving electricity, 10 people in the community have been employed by CEM and there will be more job opportunities as the projects are expanding.
In the project, CEM co-financed around K82, 379,379 making the total budget for the project K514, 794,000.
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The project has aligned with the Malawi 2063 Agenda, as it promotes industrialisation and creates job opportunities for individuals in the country.
