Nyika Hydropower Group Limited (NHG), a privately-owned run-of-river hydropower developer, has signed 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) for its 51-megawatt (MW) North Rumphi Hydropower Cascade Project. Located along the North Rumphi River (Denbo River) in Rumphi District in Northern Malawi, approximately 15km South of Livingstonia, the Project represents a significant step towards advancing the country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive energy access.
The North Rumphi Cascade comprises three run-of-river schemes—Phoka (13MW), Munonono (18MW), and Chiweta (20MW)—and is expected to increase Malawi’s current generation capacity by 9.2% once operational. The Project will also play a critical role in diversifying the country’s predominantly Southern-based power infrastructure by improving supply to the North and Central regions, while reducing transmission losses and expanding energy supply.
With a national electrification rate of just 14%, Malawi—home to approximately 21.1 million people—faces a substantial energy access gap.1,2 The North Rumphi Cascade is expected to generate approximately 276,000 MWh of clean, reliable electricity annually, supplying power to 2.7 million people and contributing meaningfully to the government’s target of achieving 32.4% electrification by 2030.2,3 Further, it is expected to create approximately 700 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, while also avoiding an estimated 135,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions per annum. The Project will play a transformative role in strengthening Malawi’s capacity to deliver stable, long-term power while building a more resilient and reliable national grid.
The North Rumphi Cascade is a transformative investment in Malawi’s energy future. By delivering firm, baseload power to the Northern Region, the Project supports national efforts to diversify energy supply, extend access, and strengthen the grid.
NHG Shareholders
The signing of the PPAs marks a key milestone on the path to financial close, expected in 2027, with full commercial operations anticipated by 2029. NHG has worked closely with ESCOM, the Government of Malawi (GoM), and regulatory authorities to advance the Project through permitting and technical preparation. The Project is currently at an advanced stage of development, with a significant portion of the permits and approvals already secured.