A major new solar power system has been officially handed over to the Phata Sugarcane Outgrowers Cooperative in Chikwawa, marking an important milestone for its 1,150 smallholder farmer members and the partners who have supported the project.

Malawi’s Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr Jean Mathanga, MP, commissioned the 648.68 kWp solar PV system as part of the Ag-Energy project, implemented by GIZ Malawi and co-financed by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).

Speaking at the event, Minister Mathanga said: “Energy is not an afterthought in agriculture. It is a critical input into agricultural productivity, commercialization and economic transformation.”

Phata’s cooperative members cultivate 615 hectares of sugarcane in the Lower Shire Valley, supplying around 60,000 tonnes annually to Illovo’s Nchalo factory. Agricane Consulting has worked with Phata for several years, providing management foundations and technical support across its operations, including operational, financial and agronomic planning. 

Agricane also provided technical support to the latest solar project, working on detailed designs, specifications and tender documentation, undertaking technical review during procurement, and providing engineering and on-site technical supervision during implementation. The new system now powers Phata’s irrigation booster pumps, reducing dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators.

“This project will deliver more reliable irrigation, lower energy costs and ultimately better returns for Phata’s 1,150 farmer members.” said Chris Matthews, CEO, Agricane

The investment also complements the World Bank-funded Shire Valley Transformation Program, under which gravity-fed bulk water will significantly reduce Phata’s pumping requirements, with the solar-powered booster stations pressurising water for distribution through the irrigation network. 

Dr Inge Baumgarten, GIZ Malawi Country Director, said renewable energy could help strengthen the resilience of Malawi’s agricultural sector while diversifying an energy system that remains heavily dependent on hydropower.

Supported by Agricane, Phata has a long history of investing in surrounding communities through initiatives including electrification, potable water and maize milling.

“The project provides solar energy not just for our sugarcane operation, but supports three schools and communities surrounding the Phata scheme”,  said Winstone Yohane, Chairperson of Phata Sugarcane Outgrowers Cooperative

For Phata, Agricane, and the project partners, the commissioning celebrated the completion of an investment designed to deliver lasting benefits: more reliable irrigation, lower operating costs and greater resilience for the cooperative’s 1,150 farmer members.

---------------------

Agricane’s technical support for the solar project

• Detailed system design

• Technical specifications and BoQs

• Tender and RFP documentation

• Technical review of contractor bids

• Engineering and on-site installation supervision

  
  

Attending the event were:

• Hon. Dr Jean Mathanga, MP — Minister of Energy, Malawi

• Winstone Yohane — Chairperson, Phata Sugarcane Outgrowers Cooperative

• Senior Chief Maseya - Traditional Authority, Chikwawa District

• Dr Inge Baumgarten — Country Director, GIZ Malawi

• Chris Matthews - CEO, Agricane

• Dr Collen Zalengera — Country Director, Malawi & Zambia, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

• Elvis Thodi — Secretary for Energy, Malawi