Project Description

The Malawi Public Private Partnership Commission recently completed the prequalification phase of the tender process to identify a Strategic Sponsor for the 350 MW Mpatamanga hydropower project. A consortium comprised of SN Power and Electricité de France was determined to be pre-qualified and has been invited to submit a full proposal in the next and final phase of the tender process.

The project is being developed under a Public Private Partnership model, with a comprehensive World Bank-financed feasibility study completed in 2018. The Government partnered with International Finance Corporation (IFC) as co-developer to undertake early-stage development activities for the Project, including the preparation of Project documents, technical reports and environmental & social studies. The invitation to participate in the prequalification phase of the request for proposal was published in the widely circulated daily papers and online industry publications in early 2020. Prior and subsequent to the RFP announcement, global marketing and outreach efforts were conducted to share information about the project, including a presentation at the leading hydropower industry conference in Porto, Portugal and two investor webinars.

Fifteen firms expressed interest during the pre-qualification phase, which included strict criteria to ensure that the Project’s selected Strategic Sponsor is fully qualified and capable of successfully executing this important project for Malawi. During the final phase of the tender process, the bidder will be required to submit a proposal that demonstrates, to the Government of Malawi’s satisfaction, the bidder’s capability and commitment to implement a Project that is reliable and affordable for the people of Malawi.