admin | November 20, 2025
News Brief
In Kasakula, a village 90 kilometers from Malawi’s capital Lilongwe, life after dark has changed. Four years ago, U.K.-based charity SolarAid began installing solar systems in homes, bringing electricity to nearly every household. Children can study at night, farmers can plan their work more efficiently, and market traders can keep shops open longer. Patrick Mvula, a local farmer, says, “My children also study without worrying about candles or lamps.” Families pay just 40 cents a week, making the service affordable and helping the community thrive.
In Kasakula, a village about 90 kilometers from Malawi’s capital Lilongwe, life after dark has changed. Four years ago, U.K.-based charity SolarAid began installing small solar systems in homes, bringing electricity to nearly every household.
Most of Kasakula’s 20,000 residents grow maize, beans, and cassava for their own families, and rely on candles or paraffin lamps at night. Without reliable lighting, students struggled to study, families risked accidents from open flames, and market traders often had to close early. Now, solar lights are helping the community stay safe and productive after sunset.
Brave Mhonie, SolarAid’s general manager in Malawi, says, “The solar lights make a huge difference. People can now study, work, and run small businesses even after sunset.”
Each home system includes lights and USB outlets for charging phones, with the option to add appliances like TVs or hair clippers. SolarAid trained 50 local residents to install and maintain the systems, creating jobs and skills in the community.
Patrick Mvula, a local farmer, says, “I can plan my farm work better because I know I can check on my crops and feed my animals in the evening. My children also study without worrying about candles or lamps.”
Mary Banda, a market trader, says, “Before we had solar lights, I had to close my shop when it got dark. Now I can sell vegetables and goods later into the evening, which helps my family income.”
Dalitso Kudala, SolarAid’s project supervisor, says, “The payments from households cover maintenance and allow the program to expand to other villages.” For families who earn very little cash each year, the solar service is affordable. Households pay about 40 cents a week, giving them reliable electricity without needing to spend hundreds of dollars upfront.
SolarAid’s systems rely on lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are safer and longer-lasting than older models. The organization also provides ongoing maintenance to ensure the systems continue working, helping residents avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Jones Ntaukira, managing director of Zuwa Energy, one of Malawi’s solar companies, says, “The batteries that are irresponsibly disposed of come from the open market. Licensed companies like ours offer flexible payment packages and track customers to ensure responsible disposal.”
For Kasakula’s families, the solar project is already transforming daily life. Students can read at night, farmers can plan work more efficiently, and small businesses can stay open longer. Families feel safer, children have better chances to study, and the community is more productive.
He says solar-powered electricity may be common in cities, but in rural villages like Kasakula, it is changing how people live, study, and work. It shows that clean, affordable energy can reach even the most remote communities, opening new opportunities for families across Malawi.
This story is based on an article written by Madalitso Wills Kateta for Mongabay, titled “In Malawi, a rural community shines bright with 100% solar power milestone” To read the full story, go to : https://news.mongabay.com/2025/10/in-malawi-a-rural-community-shines-bright-with-100-solar-power-milestone/