AfDB grants Malawi $3.04m for Kholombidzo power feasibility studies

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a grant amounting to $3.04 million to finance the Kholombidzo Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) Feasibility Studies in Malawi.

Out of this amount, the Government of Malawi will contribute $0.23 million (7%) of the total study cost of $3.27 million.

The grant, which was approved on March 25, 2013, aims to produce a full bankable feasibility study for the future development of a power generation project to contribute to the expansion of electricity generating capacity in Malawi, which would ultimately help to address electricity shortages and enable the delivery of reliable energy and electricity access expansion in Malawi, according to AfDB.

In a release issued Tuesday, March 26, 2013, the bank explained that the study is consistent with the objectives of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II (MGDS II), which emphasises the importance of putting in place a foundation for long-term economic growth through improved infrastructure and investment climate.

“By supporting the study, the African Development Fund will be contributing to facilitating investment in the provision of electricity needed for supporting economic growth and poverty reduction. The initiative also presents an opportunity for knowledge sharing from previous experiences in other member countries,” AfDB’s release said.

By Edmund Smith-Asante