Locations
Malamba says his work is rooted in challenges he witnessed growing up.
At 27 years old, Emmanuel Malamba knows firsthand the impact of energy poverty. Growing up in the rural areas of Nkhotakota, Malawi, he experienced the daily struggles of living without electricity. Today, as a master’s student in Sustainable Energy at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in Blantyre, Malamba is working to change the narrative for rural communities through innovative energy solutions.
A Journey Rooted in Struggle
Malamba’s journey to higher education was anything but easy. Growing up in a community without electricity, he walked several kilometres to school daily, often studying by candlelight. Despite lacking resources and role models in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Malamba defied the odds. He scored an impressive 9 points in the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE), equivalent to strong GCSE results with primarily A grades. His academic excellence opened the door to higher education, where he pursued an Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree before advancing to his current master’s program in Sustainable Energy.
Revolutionizing Rural Mini-Grids
Malamba’s work is deeply rooted in addressing the challenges he witnessed growing up. In rural areas, communities often struggle to sustain mini-grids due to the lack of proper metering systems. “Development partners install mini-grids, but the communities fail to sustain them because they can’t collect payments efficiently,” Malamba explains. “People end up paying a fixed amount, regardless of how much energy they use, which leads to financial instability and system breakdowns.”
To tackle this issue, Malamba, under the mentorship of his lecturer, Joseph Phiri, has been working on an innovative metering system at the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) as part of the Faculty-Student Program.
This system allows users to pay only for the energy consumed, ensuring the financial sustainability of mini-grid projects. “With UniPod’s support, we’ve developed a prototype that could revolutionize how rural mini-grids operate,” he says. The project is currently in the prototype phase, and Malamba and his team are awaiting funding to scale it up for real-world implementation.
“If you have an idea, no matter where you come from, you can bring it here and make it a reality.”
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others
Malamba’s work at UniPod goes beyond technical innovation; it’s about inspiring others to break barriers. Coming from a community where higher education seemed out of reach, he now serves as a role model for young people aspiring to enter the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. “Everything is possible,” he says. “If I could make it here, so can many others.”
His message is compelling for young people in rural areas with limited access to education and resources. Malamba emphasizes the importance of passion, determination, and having role models who can guide and inspire. “In my community, there were no role models in STEM. People believed that success was only for those from wealthy backgrounds. I want to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve great things.”
A Vision for the Future
Malamba’s passion for sustainable energy is driven by the urgent need to address climate change and the global shift toward renewable energy. “Fossil fuels have caused significant harm to the environment,” he says. “Sustainable energy, like solar and wind, is more affordable and environmentally friendly. It’s the way forward for communities like mine that still lack access to reliable electricity.”
Looking ahead, Malamba plans to take his work beyond academia and into the field. “I want to apply what I’ve learned to real-world problems,” he says. His ultimate goal is implementing sustainable energy solutions in rural communities, improving social and economic lives.
A Role Model for His Community
Malamba’s story is one of resilience and determination. As the second oldest of nine siblings, he has become a source of inspiration for his younger brothers and sisters. While some of his siblings faced challenges in continuing their education, Malamba’s success has motivated the younger ones to pursue their dreams. “They see what I’ve achieved, and it gives them hope,” he says.
Emmanuel Malamba’s journey from a rural village to a master’s student in Sustainable Energy is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Through his work at UniPod, he is developing solutions to address energy poverty and inspiring the next generation of innovators in Malawi. His story is a powerful reminder that local talent can create solutions that change the world with the proper support and determination.
“UniPod is for everyone,” Malamba reiterates. “If you have an idea, no matter where you come from, you can bring it here and make it a reality.”