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The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613780580499456 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Chimphonda, Jerome |
| author2 | Davies, Megan |
| author_browse | Chimphonda, Jerome Davies, Megan |
| author_facet | Davies, Megan Chimphonda, Jerome |
| author_sort | Chimphonda, Jerome |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description |
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132100 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:35.119Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132100 The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi Chimphonda, Jerome Davies, Megan Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Centre for Sustainability Transitions. Rural electrification -- Malawi Renewable energy sources -- Malawi Energy transition -- Malawi UCTD Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Chimphonda, J. 2025. The Role of Off-Grid Rural Electrification in Supporting a Just Energy Transition in Malawi. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/1faf014f-2810-446e-96ae-7d0a20e0227a ENGLISH SUMMARY: Off-grid rural electrification has emerged as a critical strategy for addressing electricity shortages in Global South countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall aim of this thesis is to explore the possibilities for rural electrification to contribute meaningfully to the emergence and acceleration of a just energy transition in Malawi. The thesis focuses on Malawi a country with one of the lowest rates of electricity access globally, and its adoption of off-grid energy solutions to bridge this gap. However, achieving universal energy access in the Global South context presents significant challenges, especially in the face of climate change and entrenched socio-economic inequality. The concept of just energy transitions has gained prominence in the global energy discourse, emphasising the need to address environmental concerns and ensure equitable socio-economic outcomes during the energy transition. This thesis explores the role of off-grid rural electrification in facilitating Malawi’s pursuit of a just energy transition, with a specific focus on Kumudzi Kuwale, a leading off-grid energy organisation in Malawi. The case study of Kumudzi Kuwale provides critical insights into the potential for community-led energy initiatives to overcome the barriers to sustainable and equitable energy access in rural settings. Access to electricity is critical for economic participation and community development, particularly in underserved regions. Malawi's reliance on off-grid electrification, especially in rural areas, offers a promising solution to address its severe energy poverty. However, research indicates that many projects struggle with social acceptance, limited community engagement, and financial barriers. This thesis examines the contribution of off-grid rural electrification, drawing on one such prominent case study, to consider how similar initiatives might address Malawi’s electricity challenges and advance the principles of a just energy transition. My findings indicate that for Global South countries like Malawi, transitioning to a just, lowcarbon energy system requires an inclusive, sustainable approach grounded in community participation, diverse financing methods, and capacity building. The experiences from Kumudzi Kuwale emphasise the significance of empowering local communities, creating robust financial models, and investing in skills development to guarantee the lasting success of renewable energy projects. By harmonising policies and promoting stakeholder collaboration, Malawi can accomplish an equitable energy transition that tackles environmental and socio-economic challenges. Government, policymakers, and industry practitioners can draw from these lessons and forge an easier path for Malawi’s efforts to advance an energy transition that is just. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. Masters 2025-05-23T12:25:54Z 2025-05-23T12:25:54Z 2025-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132100 Stellenbosch University xii, 114 pages : illustrations, maps, includes annexures application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Rural electrification -- Malawi Renewable energy sources -- Malawi Energy transition -- Malawi UCTD Chimphonda, Jerome The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title | The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title_full | The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title_fullStr | The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title_short | The role of off-grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in Malawi |
| title_sort | role of off grid rural electrification in supporting a just energy transition in malawi |
| topic | Rural electrification -- Malawi Renewable energy sources -- Malawi Energy transition -- Malawi UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132100 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chimphondajerome theroleofoffgridruralelectrificationinsupportingajustenergytransitioninmalawi AT chimphondajerome roleofoffgridruralelectrificationinsupportingajustenergytransitioninmalawi |