Employers, trade unions and other representatives from selected Sub-Saharan countries are meeting in Lilongwe to raise awareness on just energy transition.
In her remarks, Minister of Labour, Agnes NyaLonje, challenged African countries to significantly increase the installation and use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar and wind.
She stressed that the transition to clean energy must take into account the welfare of workers and the public.
Daniel Mwaura, United Federation of Danish Workers (3F) Regional Programme Officer, expressed the institution’s wish for continued collaboration with African countries including Malawi.
He highlighted that efforts are being made to minimize the impact of climate change on workers.
ESCOM Staff Union Secretary General, William Mnyamula, acknowledged that Cyclone Freddy had impacted heavily on the company’s employees and the broader community due to Malawi’s reliance on hydropower.
He pointed out that climate change remains the most pressing threat to Africa’s development.
The conference has been supported by the Danish Trade Union Development Agency, Danish Industries, and 3F.
Representatives from South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are attending the conference.
