Transitioning beyond basic energy access: Opportunities and constraints for renewable energy-driven productive use in Malawi

Regardless of its critical role in driving socio-economic development, Malawi has yet to transition from basic energy access to productive use. Therefore, this study investigated barriers that constrain renewable energy adoption for productive use in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Mangochi. The study used a mixed approach to achieve the study objectives by using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and literature review methods. The findings revealed that the country experiences an average global horizontal irradiance of 5.8 kWh/m 2 /day and 2138 to 3087 h of sunshine annually, hydropower potential of 1670 MW, including 22 small hydro sites with capacities of between 5 and 2, 250 kW, average wind speeds of 4 to 5 m/s, and geothermal resources (