# Malawi-Mozambique energy interconnection development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/malawi-mozambique-energy-interconnection-development
> Updated: 2026-09-05T07:15:38.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Malawi and Mozambique are advancing energy integration through the completion of a 218-kilometer, 400kV electricity transmission line. The interconnection, running from Matambo in Mozambique to Phombeya in Malawi, was designed to add 120 megawatts to the Malawian grid to mitigate domestic generation shortfalls and blackouts.

Following successful technical testing and hot commissioning, the project is moving toward commercial operation. While the physical infrastructure is energized, authorities in Malawi and Mozambique are currently finalizing the tariffs and commercial arrangements required to enable regional electricity trading through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

In response to a persistent power crisis, Malawi’s Energy Minister Jean Mathanga has stated that the country expects to stabilize the grid and reduce blackouts by December. This stabilization plan relies on the arrival of critical spare parts to repair aging infrastructure and the commencement of imported electricity from Mozambique. Currently, Malawi’s electricity generation is struggling; while the nation has a production capability of 564MW, major producer Egenco has recently been producing approximately 370MW. The energy mix remains heavily reliant on biomass and petroleum, with hydro-power accounting for roughly 70 percent of capacity.

Beyond technical issues, the sector faces governance challenges. Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has flagged a potential conflict of interest regarding the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, who currently chairs the boards of three state-owned entities: Egenco, Escom, and Power Market Limited. The committee noted that this arrangement complicates negotiations regarding power purchase agreements, tariffs, and debt settlements between the utilities.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Malawi targets end to power blackouts by December

Malawi aims to end power blackouts by December through new machinery and imports from Mozambique, amid concerns regarding governance conflicts within state-owned energy companies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malawi-targets-end-to-power-blackouts-by-december

### 2026-09-01: Malawi advances energy infrastructure through hydro and regional power links

Malawi strengthens its energy sector by advancing the 51MW North Rumphi hydropower project and completing the 400kV Malawi-Mozambique electricity interconnector for regional power trading.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malawi-advances-energy-infrastructure-through-hydro-and-regional-power-links

### 2026-08-20: Mozambique and Malawi power interconnection nears commercial operation

A $154 million power interconnection between Mozambique and Malawi is nearing commercial operation, aiming to add 120MW to the grid amid Malawi's current domestic generation shortfalls.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mozambique-and-malawi-power-interconnection-nears-commercial-operation

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Cite as: Malawi-Mozambique energy interconnection development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/malawi-mozambique-energy-interconnection-development