Donate

Help Malawi’s solar network reach further

Three women stand outside the orange-painted Aunt Nancy Energy Access Hub, holding solar lights.

At Nancy Chaima, or ‘Aunt Nancy’s’, Energy Access Hub in Malawi, people can find solar lights, ask questions and get support when a product needs repairing. Her business is part of a growing network of local entrepreneurs bringing clean, reliable energy closer to communities that are still without access to electricity.

As of today, 36 locally-led solar energy businesses are helping make energy access possible in communities across the country.

But too many families are still waiting for reliable, affordable energy.

These local businesses need support to reach more people and keep solar lights working long after they are sold.

Give to support the network

Solar energy works
when local people lead.

Lusungu Nkhowani is an innovative entrepreneur living in Luwinga, Mzuzu. After spotting an opportunity, she built a solar business that serves her community while helping local traders boost their incomes.

Many traders had to close their stalls when the sun set at 5.30 pm. Lusungu now rents them solar lights for a small fee, recharging them each morning for the next evening.

This means traders can stay open later and reinvest their profits into their businesses, rather than spending money on expensive and dangerous kerosene lamps or candles.

Lusungu is just one entrepreneur helping her community access clean, affordable light. But more are urgently needed. With your support, more people can get the solar lighting they need to work, earn and build a better future.

Help local solar businesses grow

£15 could help replenish solar lights for local businesses.

Donate Now

£80 could help transport and distribute solar products across Malawi.

Donate Now

£120 could help provide business training for Mayi Wala groups.

Donate Now
"I would never have believed I could have my own business."
Nancy Chaima, Nsanje, Malawi

Nancy began selling solar lights in 2011 and built her business by understanding what her customers needed. After Cyclone Freddy devastated it in 2023, she drew on those years of experience to rebuild Aunt Nancy’s Energy Access Hub.

Today, families and traders come to her for solar products and advice. Nancy also supplies and trains five Mayi Wala groups – women entrepreneurs bringing solar energy further into their own communities.

Stella Limited (left), Nancy Chaima (middle), Ligineti Mikithayo (right) holding Solar Lights in Nsanje, Malawi

Support the network behind businesses like Nancy’s

Map of Malawi showing areas with businesses in SolarAid's solar energy network

Orange areas show where a business in this network operates. White areas have no business marked on this map; they do not indicate that people there have no solar access.

A growing network, with room to reach further

Today, 36 locally led solar businesses operate across Malawi. This map shows where businesses in this network are established and where it could grow.

Your gift could help local entrepreneurs get the products and support they need to serve more communities.

Help keep the network moving

Meet Nancy, in her own words

Nancy explains how solar lights help traders work longer, children study after dark, and customers get support when a product needs repairing.

Help the network reach further

How funds from this appeal will be used

If you donate to this appeal, the funds will be spent wherever the need is greatest to support the charitable goals of SolarAid, helping bring solar light and energy to remote communities across Africa.

While this appeal focuses on Malawi’s network of local solar businesses, donations may also support SolarAid’s wider work bringing safe, reliable solar energy to communities most in need.

If you have any questions about this appeal or how funds are used, please contact us at [email protected] or on +44 (0)20 7278 0400. Thank you.



Photo information:
1. Main banner: Stella Limited, Nancy Chaima and Ligineti Mikita outside Aunt Nancy’s Energy Access Hub, Nsanje, Malawi. Credit: SolarAid/Kondwani Jere.
2. Night market banner: A trader working by solar light in Luwinga, Mzuzu, where Lusungu rents lights to local businesses. Credit: SolarAid/Kondwani Jere.
3. Nancy portrait: Nancy Chaima at her energy hub in Nsanje. Credit: SolarAid/Kondwani Jere.