The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has launched its 2026 tree planting exercise for the Mozambique‑Malawi (MO‑MA) Interconnector Project at Chifunga Primary School in Neno.
The launch took place on Thursday, 5th February 2025 under the theme: Plant Trees, Arrest Climate Change.
Mr Sam Muheka, ESCOM Chief Technical Auditor, who was the Guest of Honour, emphasised the urgent need to protect and restore the environment for current and future generations.
“This year alone, ESCOM will plant 32,000 trees. The Corporation has progressively increased its tree‑planting efforts in recent years having planted 32,000 trees in 2025, 44,000 in 2024, 51800 in 2023, and 19,500 in 2022. By the close of the 2026 season in April, ESCOM will have planted a cumulative total of 179,300 trees,” he said.
Mr Muheka explained that the MO‑MA Project prioritises rehabilitating degraded land and supporting community livelihoods through planting diverse tree species chosen for both environmental and economic value.
“These trees are more than green symbols, they are part of a deliberate strategy to address climate change, mitigate disasters like floods, and safeguard our natural resources,” he said.
Mr Muheka also stressed that lessons from previous seasons have helped improve planning, tree management, and community ownership to ensure higher survival rates and lasting impact.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Traditional Authority Mlauli said the donation of trees will help the community appreciate the benefits of the MO‑MA initiative.
Chifunga Primary School Headteacher Mr Masina thanked ESCOM for choosing the school as a beneficiary, saying learners will gain hands‑on experience about the importance of trees from enhancing rainfall and conserving the environment to beautifying the school grounds.
Speaking on behalf of Neno District Council, Ward Councilor Gwire Mzinga Banda applauded ESCOM’s corporate social responsibility initiative, urging the wider community and district to protect electrical infrastructure and support environmental activities.
“Once the MO‑MA project is completed, it is expected to create business opportunities that local children and families can benefit from through products such as porridge made from locally grown trees and crops. Hence it is important that we safeguard electrical equipment,” he said.