The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced revised Fuel Retail Outlet Guidelines requiring at least one EV fast charging station at designated fuel outlets in major cities and towns. The regulator will select strategic sites based on location, traffic volumes and national energy policy goals, rather than mandating chargers at every filling station. MERA Public Relations Officer Fitina Khonje said the phased approach reflects emerging EV demand in Malawi and aims to build infrastructure where it is needed most.
Why it matters: The selective rollout model offers a procurement blueprint for markets with nascent EV adoption, prioritising high traffic urban sites over blanket mandates. Success will depend on ESCOM's grid capacity, highlighting the infrastructure coordination challenge for charge point operators entering early stage African markets.