Project Structure Overview

The ASCENT Malawi Project is implemented under a dual-PIU model, reflecting the division of technical responsibilities between:

  • Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) – responsible for grid-based investments (Component 1 and part of Component 5); and

  • Ministry of Energy (MoE) – responsible for off-grid electrification, public facility electrification, clean cooking, and related technical assistance (Components 2, 3, 4 and part of Component 5).

This structure builds on implementation experience under the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP) and is designed to ensure institutional continuity, technical specialization, and compliance with World Bank Investment Project Financing (IPF) and Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements.

The governance framework consists of:

  1. Project Steering Committee (PSC) – Strategic oversight

  2. Project Technical Committee (PTC) – Technical coordination and review

  3. Two dedicated Project Implementation Units (PIUs) – Operational execution

  4. Independent Verification Agent (IVA) – Performance-Based Condition verification

Ministry of Energy – Project Implementation Unit

The project is implemented through a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that combines leadership, technical delivery, fiduciary management, safeguards, and performance tracking functions. The PIU coordinates planning, procurement, financial management, safeguards compliance, and results monitoring as an integrated delivery system.

1. Leadership:

  • Project Manager (PM), responsible for overall coordination and decision-making
  • Deputy Project Manager (DPM), support with operational follow-up and internal coordination.

2. Fiduciary: 

  • Finance Management (FMS) –> Assistant FMS
  • Procurement Specialist (PSS)

3. Technical, Performance Monitoring Compliance: 

  • Power Engineering (PE)
  • Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS)
  • GIS Specialist