Renewable Energy Malawi - FAQ’s

1. What is the Renewable Malawi Pledge?

The Renewable Malawi Pledge is a civil society-led campaign calling on candidates contesting the September 2025 General Elections in Malawi to publicly commit to supporting a just, renewable energy future for Malawi. Political candidates at the presidential, parliamentary and councillor levels are urged to join the pledge to show they stand for climate justice, energy access, and economic resilience—not fossil fuel dependence.

2. Who is behind the campaign?

This campaign is coordinated by a coalition of leading Malawian civil society groups including the Coordination Union for Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), Trócaire Malawi, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), Green Girls Platform, Oxfam Malawi, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi, Youth and Society (YAS), the National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC), and the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi.

3. Why does Malawi need this campaign now?

Malawi is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change—facing devastating cyclones, widespread energy poverty, and an escalating debt crisis. At the same time, fossil fuel expansion is accelerating across Africa, threatening to lock countries like Malawi into economic instability and environmental disaster. We cannot afford to go down this path. To transition to a prosperous renewable future, that boosts climate resilience and expands renewable energy access, international cooperation is essential.

4. How would a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty help Malawi?

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a proposed international mechanism to coordinate a fair, financed transition to an equitable renewable future. The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty is already supported by our capital city Lilongwe, as well as Mzuzu, and a powerful coalition of civil society organisations. The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change have participated in high level dialogues on the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative in Lilongwe. The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative could facilitate technology transfers, just transition finance and debt resolution mechanisms for Malawi to leapfrog fossil fuels and invest in our abundant renewable energy resources to deliver clean energy access. It also provides a mechanism to hold wealthy nations who are expanding fossil fuel extraction accountable by demanding equitable fossil fuel phase out. 

5. Can Malawi afford to move away from fossil fuels?

Yes—and in fact, we can’t afford not to. Over 70% of projected oil and gas projected across Africa are at risk of becoming stranded assets. Meanwhile, Malawi’s public debt has nearly doubled in recent years, leaving no room for high-risk, high-cost fossil investments. Africa is home to the highest renewable energy potential on Earth — nearly 40% of the global share. International cooperation, just transition finance and technology transfers can help us harness this potential. Renewables offer a safer, more just, and future-proof path that can deliver on our urgent energy access needs and drive sustainable development.

6. Is Malawi ready for renewable energy?

Malawi has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, but also immense solar and hydro potential. A shift to renewables would reduce energy poverty, boost resilience, create jobs, and support rural development—especially with international cooperation and just transition funding.

7. What are we asking candidates to do?

We are asking all political candidates to:

  • Endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

  • Accelerate the Transition to Renewable Energy

  • Deliver Universal Electricity Access & Clean Cooking

  • Ensure a Just Transition for Workers and Communities

  • Ensure Public Participation in Decision-Making

8. Is this just about candidates?

No—this campaign is also a tool for public engagement. Every Malawian can:

  • Sign the public petition

  • Ask their local candidate to sign the election pledge

  • Share the campaign with their community

  • Raise awareness about the dangers of fossil fuel extraction

  • Call for political leadership on a justice-based renewable energy transition

9. What’s next after the election?

We will continue advocating for Malawi to join the 17 global south nation-states from the Pacific, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean negotiating a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, alongside 135+ subnational governments on every continent, hundreds of parliamentarians, Nobel Laureates, scientists and academics, faith leaders and thousands of organisations including the World Health Organisation. We will publish and promote a map showing which candidates supported the Renewable Malawi Pledge and continue to push for progressive energy policies that accelerate renewable energy deployment to deliver universal clean energy access for our people..

10. Why should Malawi lead?

Malawi is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Continued global fossil fuel expansion translates to climate disasters across our territories. More fossil fuels means more loss and damage. We must hold big polluters accountable. We have demonstrated important climate leadership as the current chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group to the UN Climate Convention and Malawi must continue to do so. By backing the Fossil Fuel Treaty and prioritising renewable energy, Malawi can help shape a global shift — showing that climate justice, renewable energy access, resilience and responsible leadership can go hand in hand. In joining the bloc of nations participating in discussions to advance a Fossil Fuel Treaty, Malawi can also contribute to setting the terms and substance of the proposed Treaty, ensuring it centres the needs of the most climate vulnerable communities.