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Project Information
Implementor:
By Kwela Fund
Category:
Service:
Clean Energy
Date:
June 22, 2026
Location:
Nsaru EPA, Mw
Kwela Clean Energy, Ngwe ngwe ngwe!
The Kwela Clean Energy Initiative is an ongoing community-based energy access program supported by the Kwela Development Fund to improve access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable clean energy solutions in rural communities. The initiative focuses on enabling community groups in Nsaru EPA to operate clean energy enterprises through access to solar lighting and phone charging systems, creating both social impact and income-generating opportunities.
Through structured asset financing and practical business support, the initiative enables community groups to access quality solar products that can be used to provide essential energy services while generating sustainable income. The project forms part of Kwela’s broader effort to strengthen rural enterprises through targeted financing, business development support, and productive asset ownership.
Project Challenge
Many rural households in Nsaru continue to experience limited access to reliable electricity, forcing families and businesses to rely on expensive, unhealthy, and inefficient energy sources such as kerosene lamps and distant mobile phone charging services. These challenges limit productivity, educational opportunities, household safety, and income generation.
At the same time, community groups have limited access to affordable financing needed to invest in productive energy assets that could generate sustainable businesses within their communities.
- Limited access to affordable and reliable clean energy
- Dependence on kerosene and costly external phone charging services
- Limited access to financing for productive energy assets
- Few opportunities for rural groups to establish sustainable clean energy enterprises
Project Implementation
The Kwela Clean Energy Initiative is currently active under the Kwela Development Fund and is implemented through a structured community group financing model. The initiative was officially launched on 23 May 2026 at Kamwala FP School Ground, Mzidza Village, Nsaru EPA, Lilongwe Rural, marking Kwela’s expansion from agricultural financing into sustainable clean energy financing.
To date, the supported community groups have received.
Solar Asset Financing
Provision of quality Sun King solar lighting and phone charging systems through structured financing, enabling groups to establish clean energy businesses while expanding access to electricity within their communities.
In-Kind Solar System Distribution
A total of 28 solar lighting and phone charging units were distributed directly to multiple community groups, ensuring that financed assets are immediately deployed for productive use and community service delivery.
Structured Enterprise Financing
Community groups receive wholesale financing for solar assets under Kwela’s microfinance model, with flexible repayment arrangements aligned to business cash flows, allowing the enterprises to grow sustainably while meeting repayment obligations.
Technical Training and Business Orientation
Comprehensive training was provided in partnership with Sun King Ltd., covering proper installation and usage of the solar systems, customer support, warranty procedures, and business management to ensure long-term sustainability of the enterprises.
Ongoing Monitoring and Technical Support
Continuous monitoring visits, business mentorship, and technical support are provided to participating groups to promote proper asset utilization, strengthen enterprise performance, and prepare additional groups for future clean energy financing.
This approach ensures that community groups are not only financed but are equipped to operate sustainable clean energy enterprises that improve rural livelihoods while generating reliable income.