Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Right Honorable Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, officially launched the 2024 National Energy Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Bingu International Convention Centre, where he served as the guest of honor. In his keynote address, Dr.
Usi said Malawi faces significant challenges in the renewable energy sector, a critical area that hinders the country’s social and economic development. He expressed hope that the conference would yield tangible solutions, particularly for socially excluded communities, in line with Malawi’s 2063 development agenda. “Social exclusion is a serious development glitch because it denies opportunities to certain groups or communities to access renewable energy solutions and related technologies,” said Dr.
Usi. He urged the conference participants to explore ways to address these issues, including how to measure and monitor the impact of proposed solutions on the most vulnerable communities. With more than 70% of the population lacking access to clean energy, Dr.
Usi described the situation as a “cause for alarm,” warning that it undermines national development and threatens the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “As we gather here, we must recognize the urgency of this moment. The clock is ticking, and we must act decisively.
We do not have the luxury of time. To address these challenges, we must set ambitious goals that require transformative chan.