The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) has asked Malawi Government to increase investment in rural electrification through renewable solutions to improve access to energy.
The UN agency made the appeal on Friday during the launch of Smart Energy Project by Hope for Adolescent (Hofa), a non governmental organisation (NGO0 in Nkhotakota, at Kapichira Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanyenda.
UNPD programme associate responsible for small grants, Nyembezi Jenda, said improvements in energy access have the potential to transform the livelihoods of people in rural areas. Department of Energy Affairs principal energy officer Thokozani Malunga said government is harmonising the regulatory framework governing the energy sector to reinforce access to energy.
He said the process i s a key to achieving the Sustainable Develeopment Goals (SDG) number seven that challenges countries to ensure access to affordable and modern energy for all by 2030.
With support from Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the small grants programme, the project seeks to improve livelihood using solar energy targeting 40 women and youths.
Speaking at the launch, Hofa executive director Ruth Mvula said the project strives to increase proliferation in the usage of renewable energy in rural areas.
She said with 80 percent of small and medium enterprises in rural areas, the move is expected to boost businesses in rural areas and help cooperative preserve their products.