Effective leadership requires a clear understanding of operations on the ground. With this in mind, the ESCOM Board of Directors, led by Vice Chairperson Elsie Tembo, embarked on an intensive familiarization tour of some of the corporation’s most critical operational hubs on 11th and 12th March 2026.
The objective of the tour was to move beyond the boardroom and gain firsthand insight into the infrastructure that powers Malawi, as well as the systems that support ESCOM’s transmission, and distribution and customer service functions.
On 11th March 2026, the Board visited the Optic Fiber Communications (OFC) facility in Mandala, a key directorate that positions ESCOM as a premier telecommunications carrier, enhancing Malawi’s digital connectivity. Later, they visited the National Data Centre, ICT Unit, and Network Operations Centre, which are the technical nerve centres that form ESCOM’s communication backbone.
At Chichiri Substation, the Board inspected power transformers before proceeding to the National and Regional Control Centres, where they were briefed on the monitoring and management of electricity supply across the nation.
The tour also provided insight into customer service operations. At the National Contact Centre, Directors observed how customer engagement is managed in real time.
To appreciate the full energy value chain, the Board extended the tour on 12th March 2026 to Kapichira Hydro Power Station, operated by EGENCO. At Kapichira, the Board toured the Kapichira Dam and Powerhouse, observing the turbines and generators that convert water energy into electricity. The visit offered the Directors an opportunity to understand the complexities of power generation, complementing ESCOM’s role in electricity transmission and distribution.
Speaking during the tour, Tembo expressed deep appreciation for the tour, stressing that witnessing the power source that drives Malawi’s economic development agenda is invaluable. She underscored EGENCO’s role as an anchor for ESCOM and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the two institutions.
“ESCOM and EGENCO are two sides of the same coin. Where there are challenges, let us work together to find sustainable solutions. Our success is dependent on mutual coordination and collaboration,” Tembo said.
The familiarization tour provided the Board with valuable insight into the corporation’s operations and will help strengthen strategic oversight as ESCOM continues to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.