ABOUT ZEEC
The Zayed Energy & Ecology Centre (ZEEC) offers technical vocational training to provide Malawians with the hands-on skills they need to get employed in today’s economy. Currently we’re offering courses in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Electrical Installation, but our principal focus is on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Installation and Maintenance. Our trained technicians will be able to find jobs or start new businesses within their communities and across Malawi.
WHY SOLAR?
Access to electricity plays a critical role in economic development and poverty alleviation, particularly for underprivileged groups in rural areas. At present, less than 1% of rural households and 9.8% of all households in Malawi are connected to the National Electric Grid [1]. Those households who are lucky enough to be connected to the grid find that the service is unreliable. The issue extends to Malawi’s institutions; 90% of schools and even many medical facilities in rural areas lack access to electricity [2]. Energy generated by solar PV can be a big part of the solution to this problem as distributed power can be generated where it is needed most. Rural communities therefore do not have to wait for grid electricity to eventually reach their areas and individuals can empower themselves using technologies that are readily available on the market.
Solar PV is becoming big business in Malawi but our communities lack the expertise to properly install and service these systems. ZEEC wants to train a local workforce of electrical technicians who are skilled in all aspects of solar PV installation and maintenance in order to meet the demands of the energy sector and help eradicate energy poverty in Malawi.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide high quality education as an accelerant for sustainable economic, social and environmental development with a focus on using technology to empower under-served Malawians.
LOCATION
ZEEC is located in the Northern Region of Malawi: the Warm Heart of Africa. For more specific information please refer to the contacts page.
WE ARE HERE!
REFRENCES
[1] “Concept Paper for the Energy Sector: Promoting Public Private Partnerships in Electricity Generation for Rural Areas,” World Bank Millennium Challenge Account - Malawi Country Office, Lilongwe, 2009.
[2] B. Sovacool, “Electricity and education: The benefits, barriers, and recommendations for achieving the electrification of primary and secondary schools,” United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Dec. 2014.