By Edwin Mauluka
The government of Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malawi’s energy sector as part of efforts to spur economic growth and create jobs.
Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Anne Sofie Bjelland, made the pledge during a courtesy call on Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Jean Mathanga. She was accompanied by the Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), Gunn Jorid Roset.
Bjelland said Norway has a long history of supporting Malawi and organisations working in renewable and clean energy solutions.
“In Malawi, Norway has been supporting the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project as well as the Malawi–Mozambique power interconnector,” said Bjelland.
She noted that continued Norwegian support and investment would help secure clean and reliable energy supplies while creating jobs and new opportunities for economic growth.
“Norway is a global leader in climate action and renewable energy. Through the recently launched Norwegian Guarantee Scheme for Renewable Energy in December 2024, Norway aims to catalyse investments in developing countries,” she said. “Malawi is eligible and already benefits from certain Norwegian investment mechanisms, and we will continue to support your ministry in several ways.”
In her remarks, Mathanga expressed gratitude for the long-standing development partnership between the two countries.
“I want to reaffirm that my ministry values the enduring friendship between Malawi and Norway,” said Mathanga.
She appealed for continued support, particularly in clean energy for cooking and the mining sector.
“The Norwegian government has expressed commitment to continue supporting Malawi’s key sectors. My ministry is committed to deepening cooperation with Norway’s development institutions to stimulate private sector investment in renewable energy and mining,” she said.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, clean cooking solutions, climate action, and improved governance in the mining sector to promote sustainable development and economic growth.
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