Power Africa Solar Home Systems Malawi | Journalistic Photographer South Africa
Monsoon Photography traveled to Malawi in July 2019 for Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP). We captured the “Power Solar Home System Kick-Starter Program” in Lilongwe as well as impact photography in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Journalistic photographers South Africa.
Did you know? There are currently approximately 3.2 million Malawian households without power.
Empowering Communities in Malawi
We had the pleasure of accompanying the team from Yellow Solar Power around Lilongwe to capture BioLite SolarHome installations and see the impact on the community firsthand! The BioLite SolarHome 620 brings modern lighting, energy, and entertainment to transform any structure into an off-grid home. The easy-to-install 6-watt solar panel captures daily sun to charge a 20 Wh control box which powers 3 hanging lights, USB charge-out, and an MP3/FM radio system.
“Malawi’s energy sector has gone through important sector reform efforts recently, including the unbundling of the national utility, the Electric Supply Company of Malawi (ESCOM) and the establishment of the Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO). The restructuring of Malawi’s power market is underway, with strong investor interest and political will for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to enter the market. Power Africa (PA) is supporting 100 MWs of new solar PV generation to come online by the end of 2019.” – Power Africa
Currently, a mere 1% of rural households have power and as little as 46% in urban areas of Malawi. This indicates that 3.2 million households are without power. Power Africa is aiming to establish 108 400 new grid connections and 163 400 off-grid connections PA. This will increase the current connection access rate from 10.8% to 30% by 2030. Enriching many lives and bringing hope to one of the poorest countries in the world.
The guys from Urban Dynamix Media acted as Monsoon’s assistants in Lilongwe (we highly recommend them if you’re looking for a photographer in Malawi!)
The Impact of Electricity
The impact of how electricity transforms rural areas is astounding. Access to electricity not only ends energy poverty but also enables communities to enjoy the simple things we often take for granted. Imagine being able to read by light, charge a mobile phone, work indoors or cook on a stovetop for the first time. Electricity reduces the manual workload for food processing thus reducing working hours. It also ends cooking over a fire indoors that produces smoky households.
The most striking difference is having light indoors after dark. Without electricity, the only light at night is dim, dangerous kerosene lamps or candles. Electricity minimizes the backbreaking labour of hauling water and firewood to homes on a daily basis. Powering poor communities empowers and enriches their lives and creates a better future for all.
We thoroughly enjoyed capturing the impact of electricity connections on Malawian communities.
USAID Southern Africa & Power Africa
The “Power Solar Home System Kick-Starter Program for Malawi” launch ceremony was held on 16 July 2019 in Lilongwe, Malawi. A $2 million (USD) grant fund was awarded to four solar home system (SHS) companies by The USAID – US Agency for International Development, in support of Power Africa. USAID estimates that the program will add 100 000 to 150 000 electricity connections to Malawi. The SHS companies are Solarworks!, VITALITE Zambia, Yellow Solar Power, and Zuwa Energy!
Commercial Journalistic Photographer South Africa
Monsoon Photography offers commercial journalistic photography services in South Africa. We also travel across southern Africa on assignments. Enquire on commercial photography pricing/quotes. We have over 15 years of experience in event photography, on-site industrial photography and journalistic style shots. Monsoon especially excels in the science & technology fields. Our clients include the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP).
We also love to travel and explore our diverse continent! Get in touch for a quote on commercial, industrial or journalistic photography.