Will you take the pledge & join us in securing a just, renewable future for Malawi?

Malawi is on the frontlines of a climate crisis that we did not cause. Cyclones Jude, Filipo, Freddy, Gombe, Ana, and Idai have uprooted our communities, pummelled our livelihoods, damaged roads and energy infrastructure facilities crippling the economy in the process, and left our ecosystems reeling. There are three substances supercharging this climate disaster — coal, oil and gas. Fossil fuel extraction is responsible for nearly 90% of the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere in the last decade. Fossil fuel expansion must be halted globally, if not climate catastrophe will continue to spread across our beloved communities like wildfire.

But fossil fuel extraction is not only putting our planet in jeopardy, it’s bad economics. Over 70% of the planned oil and gas projects across Africa are at risk of becoming stranded assets. And we have no room for bad economics. In the last four years, we have come face to face with debt distress, as our public sector debt has risen from 48 to 93 percent of our GDP, leaving scant room for public revenue for climate, health and education.

At the same time, we are one of the least electrified populations on Earth, with over 85% of our people living in energy poverty. But Malawi, just like our whole continent, holds immense renewable energy potential that remains untapped. Africa is home to 39% of global renewable energy potential and 60% of the world’s best potential. To break free from energy poverty and harness our untapped renewable potential, international cooperation is essential.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, a proposed international mechanism to deliver a fair and funded transition from fossil fuels to an equitable renewable future, is a key pathway for Malawi and Africa as a whole to realise this potential.

Will you take the pledge & join us in securing a just, renewable future for Malawi?

As a candidate/party standing for election in Malawi, I/we hereby pledge to prioritise the protection of our communities, ecosystems, economies and future generations by committing to the following actions if elected:

  1. Endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

    • I/we pledge to endorse the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty by joining the growing number of nation states seeking a negotiating mandate, and advocate for Malawi to become a global leader in promoting its adoption. This proposed treaty aims to deliver a fair and financed transition to an equitable, justice-based and prosperous renewable future that delivers on energy access for all.

  2. Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Energy

    • I/we will support policies and investments that rapidly scale up renewable energy infrastructure and deployment, such as wind, solar, small scale hydro and energy storage, to ensure that Malawi can meet its growing energy needs sustainably. This will include measures to make renewable energy more accessible to households, businesses, and communities.

  3. Delivering Universal Electricity Access & Clean Cooking

    • I/we will build on existing policy commitments such as the National Energy Compact for Malawi and Mission 300 to deliver universal clean electricity access by 2030, including through expanding national grid infrastructure, mini grids and off grid renewable energy technologies.

  4. Ensuring a Just Transition for Workers and Communities

    • I/we commit to implementing a just transition strategy that provides comprehensive support for workers and communities affected by the energy transition, including by building on existing frameworks such as the Malawi National Roadmap for the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. This must also involve creating new decent green jobs, reskilling programmes, and community-led renewable energy initiatives to ensure that no one is left behind.

  5. Commitment to Public Participation in Decision-Making

    • I/we will actively engage with the public, civil society organisations, and experts to ensure that policies related to climate action and energy transition are developed through a transparent and participatory process.