The European Union has announced plans to create 12 000 jobs in Malawi's renewable energy sector with the construction of the Centre of Vocational Excellence at Mzuzu Technical College. The project, which is expected to be completed in September next year, is being implemented under the Zantchito Skills for Jobs Project with funding from the EU. The centre will provide training in renewable energy skills, shifting the country's reliance on hydropower energy source.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, said the project will create jobs in the renewable energy sector and provide students with necessary vocational skills. He mentioned that the country has several options in renewable energy that need to be utilised, including biomass, biogas, photovoltaic, and solar energies. The ambassador made these remarks during the ground-breaking ceremony of the renewable energy training centre at Mzuzu Technical College.
The project is valued at €55 million, approximately K106 billion. Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation, Joel Chagona, said the students' training facility is key to transitioning energy use from hydro to other renewable energies in the country. He noted that the project will accelerate the Malawi 2063 agenda through the teaching of skills and use of renewable energy.
According to Minister Chagona, the infrastructure being launched will be used to train students in renewable energy skills, enabling the country to transition from hydro energy to other renewable energy sources. The project is being implemented in conjunction with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which will execute technical expertise.
UNOPS' East and Southern Africa director, Massimo Diana, said they will ensure quality delivery and on-the-ground execution of the project through strict enforcement of contractual standards. The project is expected to have a significant impact on Malawi's energy sector and economy.
The Centre of Vocational Excellence at Mzuzu Technical College is expected to play a crucial role in providing students with the necessary skills to participate in the renewable energy sector. With the EU's support, the project aims to contribute to Malawi's economic development and reduce its reliance on hydropower energy source.
The project's implementation is expected to be completed around September next year. Once completed, the centre will provide training in renewable energy skills, creating opportunities for 12 000 jobs in the sector. The project's success is expected to have a positive impact on Malawi's energy sector and economy.
Key points
- The European Union is investing €55 million in the project.
- The project aims to create 12 000 jobs in Malawi's renewable energy sector.
- The centre will provide training in renewable energy skills, enabling the country to transition from hydro energy to other renewable energy sources.
