The Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) has raised concerns over the continued importation of labour and reliance on donor funding in the energy sector, warning that such dependence could undermine long-term development.
REIAMA President, Brave Mhonie, stressed the need for Malawi to prioritise building local expertise to ensure sustainability human capital in the sector.
“There is a risk in labour importation because, at any moment, the international political landscape could shift. If that happens, our over-reliance on foreign labour could leave us in a vulnerable position,” cautioned Mhonie.
Speaking at the graduation of 20 students trained in renewable energy systems at Mzuzu University, the institution’s Head of Energy Systems, Chrispine Gogoda, underscored the importance of investing in local talent.
“We must empower our own experts so that, in the near future, Malawians will lead major energy projects without external dependency,” said Gogoda.
The training is delivered by the Testing Centre in Renewable Energy Technologies (TCRET) in the Department of Energy Systems at Mzuzu University.
To date, REIAMA has sponsored 20 trainees, while Helios Towers has supported 10, highlighting a growing commitment to strengthening local capacity. However, with large-scale projects still dependent on foreign technicians, the push for increased local expertise remains imperative.
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