The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has reached a significant milestone in the implementation of the Malawi–Mozambique (MOMA) Interconnection Project, with the successful erection of all towers along the 76.4-kilometre high-voltage power line on the Malawi side.
Launched in 2021, the flagship project which will be crucial to waving goodbye to the current power blackouts, will connect Malawi to Mozambique’s electricity grid enhancing power reliability and advancing regional energy integration. ESCOM is implementing the project on behalf of the Malawi government.
Valued at $154 million, MOMA project is part of the broader Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) framework. The full interconnector spans 218 kilometres (km), 76.4 km in Malawi and 142 km in Mozambique, linking the Matambo Substation in Tete, Mozambique, to the Phombeya Substation in Balaka, Malawi.
Final project completion is expected by October 2025, barring unforeseen delays. Once operational, the interconnection is anticipated to stabilize electricity supply, reduce blackouts, and stimulate economic growth by improving access to reliable energy.
ESCOM’s Director of Projects and Development, Sinosi Maliano, hailed the milestone as a crucial step toward realizing Malawi’s energy infrastructure goals.
“We are proud to announce the completion of tower erection. This achievement marks real progress toward interconnection, which will unlock 120 megawatts of import capacity for Malawi. It’s a powerful demonstration of regional cooperation,” Maliano said.
The Director added that beyond the engineering achievements, the project is also delivering lasting social benefits under its resettlement and rehabilitation commitments. To date, 34 modern houses have been built for families relocated due to the transmission line route.
“Further community infrastructure has also been developed, including a hospital, five boreholes, a school block, a Community-Based Organization (CBO) centre, and a church. Vocational training programmes in tailoring, mobile phone repair and welding have empowered project affected persons with skills for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Speaking on the broader impact, ESCOM’s Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, Pilirani Phiri, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to inclusive development.
“This project is not just about power; it’s about people. We have gone beyond compensation to ensure long-term community empowerment through housing, essential services, and skills development,” he said.
Phiri said many beneficiaries have already launched small businesses or significantly improved their quality of life, thanks to the resources provided under the MOMA initiative.