STATUS OF POWER GENERATION IN MALAWI

The Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited (EGENCO) wishes to update all stakeholders and the public on the current status of power generation in the country and measures being implemented to address existing generation challenges.

Challenges Affecting Power Generation

As of 22 August 2026, all EGENCO hydropower generation units are operational, except for Nkula B Unit 6 (20MW), which developed a technical fault on 7 August 2026 and is currently out of service.

In addition, the following generation units are operating at reduced capacity:

• Nkula A Power Station is currently generating 24MW instead of its installed capacity of 35.1MW due to worn out turbine shaft seals.
• Tedzani Units 5 and 6 are operating at a combined reduced capacity of 5MW due to debris and stones accumulating at the intake following the impact of Cyclone Ana in 2022.
• Kapichira Power Station Unit 3 is generating 6MW below its installed capacity following the failure of its original transformer in May 2025 and is temporarily installed with a low rated transformer.

Most of these challenges have arisen due to delays in the procurement of critical spare parts over the past two to three years due to forex constraints.

Measures Being Taken to Restore Full Generation Capacity

EGENCO is working around the clock to restore all affected machines to full operational capacity. The following interventions are currently underway:

Nkula B Unit 6 (20MW) – Damaged generator bearing parts, complete with shaft, are currently being dismantled and will be transported to the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s workshop in South Africa for repairs. The Unit is expected to return to service in first of week of October 2026.

Nkula A Units 1,2,3 –The Government of Malawi through the reserve Bank has allocated foreign exchange for the procurement of the required spare parts. As of July 2026, all spare parts had been fully paid for, they have been manufactured and are currently being shipped into the country to arrive in September 2026. The units are expected to return to their full generating capacity by the end of September 2026 upon completion of the repairs.

Tedzani Units 5 and 6 – EGENCO has engaged a contractor to remove debris and stones from the intake area. The Contractor is since mobilizing equipment for such specialized works. After these works the units will once again operate at their full generating capacity. The work is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Kapichira Unit 3 – EGENCO is in the process of acquiring a new transformer to replace the failed generator transformer.  We expect to receive the transformer in October 2027 and restore full generation capacity by December 2027. Important to note is that generator transformers are procured under ‘make-to-order’ basis and takes over 12 months to manufacture.

Diesel Generators – procurement of spare parts is in progress, and we anticipate having all fault generators back online by December 2026

Going forward

While addressing the current challenges, EGENCO remains committed to expanding Malawi’s electricity generation capacity to meet growing demand.

We are pleased to announce that the Government of Malawi has reassigned the 300MW Kam’mwamba Coal-Fired Power Project to EGENCO. The company had already acquired land for the project, completed feasibility studies, and commenced procurement processes before the project was reassigned three years ago. EGENCO will now move swiftly to advance its implementation.

In the short to medium term, EGENCO will also accelerate the development of:

• Wovwe II Hydropower Project (4.5MW)
• Phase II of the Salima Solar Power Plant (40MW)

In the long term, EGENCO, together with its partners, continues to pursue several strategic power generation projects, including:

• Mpatamanga Hydropower Project (358MW) on the Shire River
• Chasombo and Chizuma Hydropower Projects (80MW) on the Bua River

Conclusion

EGENCO acknowledges the challenges currently affecting power generation.

We wish to assure the nation that we are actively addressing these challenges with urgency and determination. Our teams are working diligently to restore affected generation units and strengthen the reliability of Malawi’s power supply. Government has been very supportive that almost USD8.1 million has been allocated for spares acquisition. We have since paid for the most critical spares through such support.

We sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of all stakeholders and the public as we work towards delivering stable and sustainable electricity generation for the country.

EGENCO sincerely regrets any inconveniences that these disturbances in power generation may have caused.