The south-eastern African nation of Malawi is to build a new 300MW coal-fired power plant.

President Peter Mutharika recently met with the China Energy Engineering Group (CEEC) to discuss the details of the planned facility in Kammwamba, which is hoped wil provide improved energy access and boost the economy.

The CEEC has now finalised and secured approval for the two preparatory phases of the coal project, following the government meeting all 14 conditions set by the financiers AXIM Bank of China to access the loan for the project.

Mr Mutharika said the shortage of electricity to industries is one of the major challenges facing companies and citizens, slowing growth.

He said: “We need the extra energy as soon as yesterday. That’s why we’re very serious about this project. If we have their extra wattage from this project, our economy will perform much better than now.”