Malawi: MV Distribution Line Hardware and Accessories Procurement – Cable and Conductor Supply
Project Overview
Owner: Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM)
Key Deliverables
16mm² PVC Twin Cable
50mm² AAC Ant Bare Conductor
50mm² AAC PVC Covered Ant Conductor
100mm² AAC Wasp Conductor
50mm² AAAC PVC Covered Hazel Conductor
100mm² AAAC PVC Covered Oak Conductor
100mm² AAAC Oak Bare Conductor
Aerial Bundled Conductor: 70mm² Hard Drawn Aluminum
70mm² HD Cu Bare Conductor
Cables, 0.6/1kV:
16mm² 4C Cu PVC SWA
35mm² 4C Cu PVC SWA
70mm² 4C Cu PVC SWA
120mm² 4C Cu PVC SWA
185mm² 4C Cu PVC SWA
Cables, 6.35/11kV:
70mm² 3C Cu XLPE
120mm² 3C Cu XLPE
185mm² 3C Cu XLPE
Cables, 33kV:
70mm² Cu XLPE
Cables, 0.6/1kV:
300mm² 1C Cu PVC SWA
500mm² 1C Cu PVC SWA
Project Update
ESCOM’s Distribution Directorate
The Distribution Directorate of ESCOM is responsible for the distribution, supply, and retail of electricity across Malawi. Currently, ESCOM supplies electricity to approximately 325,000 customers, including domestic, general, commercial, and industrial users. This represents an electricity access rate of about 10% of the national population.
The Directorate also oversees the operation and maintenance of the distribution network, ensuring reliable power supply to existing customers while expanding access to new ones. Additionally, ESCOM engages in power trading with neighboring countries, supplying electricity to border towns such as Milanje, Mandimba, Zobwe, and Villa Ulongwe in Mozambique, as well as Lundazi and Chama in Zambia.
Enhancing Malawi’s Electricity Infrastructure
The supply of cables and conductors for the MV Distribution Line Hardware and Accessories Procurement Project, completed in December 2017, has significantly strengthened Malawi’s electricity distribution network. The project included a wide range of high-quality cables and conductors, such as AAC, AAAC, and XLPE-insulated cables, designed to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient power distribution.
These materials have been instrumental in expanding ESCOM’s distribution network, improving service quality, and supporting the connection of new customers. The project also aligns with Malawi’s broader goals of increasing electricity access and fostering economic development through improved energy infrastructure.
The successful delivery of cables and conductors for this project underscores ESCOM’s commitment to enhancing Malawi’s electricity distribution network. By investing in high-quality materials and infrastructure, ESCOM is paving the way for greater energy access, economic growth, and regional power trading opportunities.
