Malawi, EU Sign €93 Million Agreements for Power and Civil Society
Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda, who signed on behalf of the Malawi government, emphasized the importance of the EU support for the country's energy sector.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Malawi government and the European Union (EU) signed financing agreements worth €93 million on Monday to boost power infrastructure and enhance civil society's role in development, writes Wendi Mkandawire.
During the official signing ceremony in Lilongwe, EU Ambassador to Malawi Rune Skinnebach outlined the allocation of funds:
"€55 million is a concessional loan from the European Investment Bank and €30 million grant from the EU and will finance the rehabilitation of the Eastern Backborne power transmission line which transmits power to the northern region," Skinnebach said.
An additional €8 million grant from the EU budget will support civil society organizations in Malawi, aimed at creating jobs for the country's youth.
Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda, who signed on behalf of the Malawi government, emphasized the importance of the EU support for the country's energy sector.
"Malawi requires a stable energy sector to facilitate production and value addition," Chithyola said.
The finance minister assured the EU delegation that the government would closely monitor the projects to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
This significant investment underscores the ongoing partnership between Malawi and the EU, focusing on critical infrastructure development and youth employment initiatives through civil society engagement.