The Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) says it is in talks with investors in the energy sector for a $1.1 billion Mpatamanga Hydro Power Project.

Speaking in Lilongwe during an interface with Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, PPPC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kabambe said the project, which is estimated to be completed within a four-year period, will add 350 megawatts to the national grid.

He said: “At the moment we are in the process of negotiations on the Mpatamanga Hydro Power Project, this is a biggest project ever done in Malawi.”

“Once completed, the project will add 350 megawatts to the national grid, as you know at the moment Malawi’s capacity is only 400 megawatts so 350 megawatts will almost be doubling the current capacity.”

Kabambe said the Commission has so far engaged SN Power of France and EDF of Norway as investors who have shown interest in the multi-billion-kwacha project.

Chairperson of the committee Shadric Namalomba described the project as a positive development for the improvement of the country’s energy sector.

“The Committee was quite impressed honestly going through the projects that they intend to facilitate, and one key project is the Mpatamanga Project, as you know Malawi we are in dire need of electricity,” Namalomba said.

“So, hearing them that they are closing on a deal, Mpatamanga to add on to the grid, that is really exciting news.”

The Committee has however asked the Commission to prioritize key projects citing that PPPC seems to be having lots of projects to the extent that they have a lot on their plans.