The Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy & Mining in conjunction with the Public Private Partnership Commission launched the procurement of strategic sponsor for the proposed Mpatamanga Hydropower Project.

The event took place on  December, 13th 2019 at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

The launch was graced by Minister of Natural Resources, Energy & Mining, Hon. Bintony Kutsaira MP, who was Guest of Honour. Minister of Transport & Public works -Hon Ralph Jooma MP, Minister of Trade & Industry - Hon Salim Bagus MP and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Mungaluswa Mwambande MP.

In her remarks, the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the PPPC, Audrey Mwala, said that the tender announcement for the procurement of a strategic sponsor for the Mpatamanga hydro power project is a milestone at the PPP Commission.

“Once the project is completed, it will assist Government meet future power demand during both peak & off –peak periods there by reducing sediment inflow into the Kapichira reservoir. This will assist in increasing power generation at the plant and prolong the lifetime of the reservoir, among others.” She explained.

Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, which is being co-developed with IFC, is expected to produce 350-megawatts (with 309 MW at the main dam and 41 MW at a secondary regulating dam) at Mpatamanga Gorge on the Shire River in southern Malawi. The project is expected to cost over $850 million in capital investment and will be completed within a period of 4 to 5 years from commencement of construction in 2020.

Under PPP, the private sector contributes unique abilities to develop the Project on behalf of Government, taking away the need for Government to fund all of the capital cost up front and also reducing the financial burden from Government’s balance sheet. After procurement of the strategic sponsor, final signing of PPP contracts and financial closure will follow.

 Also, in attendance were the Board Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of EGENCO, ESCOM and MERA, representatives of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other high-ranking officials.