The development process of the Malawi SE4All Action Agenda took place at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe from 27th-28th April, 2016.The Action Agenda outlines how Malawi will achieve the SE4All goals and provides a long-term vision which will extend to 2030.
This was the second meeting of the working groups on Energy Access, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Transportation following the first stakeholder consultation meeting that happened in Salima in September 2015. Participants reviewed the first draft of the AA that had been drafted by the Econoler/Deloitte consultant team and shared through the Department of Energy. Working group members discussed detailed gaps and suggestions to enhance the Action Agenda. Major findings presented by the working groups included:
Energy Access- Government to offer subsidies to the private sector to help reach this goal and should also procure good quality cylinders to ensure safety in the operation of LPG equipment as well as assist in making LPG available.Renewable Energy: The Rural Electrification levy should be shared with the private sector to speed up the process. The Department of Energy should work hand in hand with the Department of Land, Housing and Urban Development to encourage RE technologies in construction.Energy Efficiency: Conduct a National Energy Efficiency Audit and setup a dedicated climate change fund to tackle financial barriers.Transportation:Motorization in Malawi is increasing as shown by the rising petroleum imports (used largely in motor vehicles). Malawi has an opportunity to also reduce those imports through improvement in the efficiency of its urban transport systems transportation targets.
The next step will be the validation of the Action Agenda, expected to be in June 2016. Parallel to the development of the AA, the Investment Prospectus (IP) is being developed by consulting firm, Econoler. The IP is a formal legal document that provides details about investments and shall provide an approach to “operationalize” the Action Agenda. The Government, the private sector developers, civil society organizations, finance organizations and other stakeholders can support it.