The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 to improve energy access in Malawi.

It will back the construction of 43 community energy installations in 12 districts across the African country by April next year.

The funding, which will support the Community Energy Malawi (CEM) programme, will mean rural communities will have continued access to electricity in schools, clinics and homes, improving education, healthcare and communication.

CEM, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, will also provide ongoing training for communities in the operation and maintenance of the systems with a view to improving their future sustainability.

Scottish International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said Malawi’s energy access situation “is dire in global terms with only 9% of the population currently having access to grid electricity”.

He added: “Between 2012 and 2015, we provided £2.3 million funding to the Malawi Renewable Energy Access Programme, which brought new energy access to nearly 80,000 rural Malawians through a range of technologies from solar powered schemes to fuel efficient cookstoves.

“The funding for Community Energy Malawi will allow them to continue their work of supporting community-level energy access. We know this can transform some of the poorest areas by ensuring equipped hospitals, functioning schools and thriving communities. This funding will make a big difference to Malawian communities, helping children to study in the evenings, ensuring the safe delivery of babies at night and providing a source of energy for communities to earn an income.”