Malawi: Enough Is Enough--Escom Must Be Held Accountable for Its Incompetence

Silence in the face of negligence is complicity. That time is now. Our national outrage must focus on the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom). Their consistent failures have become a national disgrace.

On Tuesday at 12:09 PM, the country went dark again. This has happened before, many times. These unannounced blackouts are Escom's shameful trademark. In response, Malawians receive a vague statement: "We are yet to establish the cause."

This situation reflects more than incompetence; it shows institutional impunity. Escom continues to fail while Malawians suffer losses. Laptops are damaged, machinery stops working, and food spoils in freezers. Small businesses lose money every hour due to these blackouts.

Malawi has invested billions in energy generation and diversification. We have hydro, solar, and diesel projects underway. The government promised 1,000MW by 2025 but we remain at just 554MW. We can't keep the lights on in one city or across the nation.

We've bought diesel generators and installed solar farms. We've invested money and trust in Egenco with little change. Now we wait for the Moma interconnector with Mozambique as if it's a solution. How can a country still blame "system shocks" for routine shutdowns?

Where are the reports from previous shutdowns? What happened to Escom's investigations? Who has been fired or held accountable for these failures?

In February, Escom raised tariffs by 16%. They demand more from Malawians while providing less than nothing in return. This feels like theft and a national insult.

John Kapito from the Consumers Association of Malawi says enough is enough. We need maturity but also consequences for Escom's actions. There should be a public audit of both Escom and Egenco’s operations.

We call on President Lazarus Chakwera and Parliament to stop protecting Escom. It is an inefficient institution that needs restructuring or oversight. Malawi cannot be held hostage by such incompetence.

Escom, your excuses have run out of time. Malawians demand answers, accountability, and electricity now! Let there be light—not just in our homes but also on your corruption and ineptitude.