Mpatamanga Hydro Power Limited (MHPL) is a special purpose vehicle established in 2022 to develop, finance, construct, own, and operate a large hydropower project on the Shire River at Mpatamanga Gorge under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The Government of Malawi holds 30% of the equity.

Technical / Project Details

Location: The project is situated on the Shire River in the Southern Region of Malawi, between the existing Tedzani and Kapichira hydropower plants, around 50–60 km from Blantyre.

Capacity & Components: The facility will have a total installed capacity of about 358 MW, including a main dam and powerhouse for peak generation and a downstream regulating dam with additional generation to smooth river flows.

Generation & Supply: It is expected to generate around 1,500–1,550 GWh of renewable electricity annually, strengthening Malawi’s power supply and meeting peak demand.

Transmission: The project includes new transmission infrastructure, such as a 400 kV line of about 64 km and several shorter 132 kV connections.

Ownership, Partnership & Financing

Shareholders: The Government of Malawi owns 30%, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) around 15%, and the remaining shares are held by private developers including Électricité de France (EDF) and Scatec ASA with their investment partners.

Cost: The total cost is estimated at over US$1 billion.

Funding: In 2025, the World Bank approved a US$350 million grant to support the project.

Power Purchase: Electricity will be sold to Malawi’s national utility, ESCOM, under a long-term 30-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Expected Benefits

Electricity access & supply: The project will nearly double Malawi’s hydropower capacity, provide more reliable power, and help stabilize the grid.

Beneficiaries: Around two million people are expected to benefit directly from improved electricity supply.

Environmental benefits: It could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than half a million tons annually.

Environmental, Social & Risk Considerations

ESIA: An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has been conducted to evaluate biodiversity, land use, community displacement, and water impacts.

Risks: Potential issues include resettlement of affected communities, changes to downstream ecosystems, cost overruns, and delays. Transmission line routing also presents environmental and social challenges.

Timeline & Status

MHPL was established in 2022 after a binding agreement between the government and development partners.

The project has secured significant funding and advanced feasibility and environmental studies.

Construction has not yet fully begun, but commissioning is targeted around 2030.