Unbending the Winding Path of a Low-Income Country’s Energy Sector amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives from Malawi

Collen Zalengera, Maxon L. Chitawo, Isaac Chitedze, Long Seng To, Vincent Mwale, Kondwani T. Gondwe and Timeyo Maroyi
Additional contact information
Collen Zalengera: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi
Maxon L. Chitawo: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi
Isaac Chitedze: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi
Long Seng To: Geography and Environment, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, Leicestershire, UK
Vincent Mwale: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi
Kondwani T. Gondwe: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi
Timeyo Maroyi: Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Department of Energy Systems, Mzuzu University, Luwinga 105203, Malawi

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-15

Abstract: This paper discusses the impact of COVID-19’s vulnerability context on Malawi’s Energy Sector and outlines mechanisms for enhancing Malawi’s energy-sector resilience based on experiences from a range of stakeholders. The investigation was conducted online by inviting purposively selected stakeholders to create presentations responding to thematic questions. The final sample had 19 stakeholders with representation from policy-makers, regulatory bodies, national grid supply players, off-grid players, development agencies, bankers, professional bodies, civil society, and women’s rights bodies. The presentations from the stakeholders highlighted how COVID-19 affects the operation costs of energy systems and implementation of energy systems projects in areas that require stimulus packages to contain energy system delivery costs and prevent disruption of essential services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These services include stakeholder responses to COVID-19 in the energy sector, the role of digital payments particularly when purchasing electricity units, and the state of third-party service providers such as banks and mobile network operators to enhance preparedness and continuity of operations for the energy sector. Based on the findings in these thematic areas and an application of systems thinking in the analysis, the paper finally makes recommendations on how Malawi and similar low-income countries can strategise to enhance energy systems resilience.

Keywords: energy-sector resilience; Malawi; COVID-19; vulnerability context; low-income countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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