Fadiyano Mawiea at his grocery shop in Kaponda, Malawi
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Authors
Meinhardt, Patrick
Issue Date
2019-05
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Energy , Economic Development
Alternative Title
Abstract
Fabiyano is in his 30s and owns a small grocery shop in the village of Kaponda. The shop is in a good position in the middle of the village. His house is right next door � he lives there with his wife and five children. The shop only exists because of electricity � it would never have been profitable before. We met Fabiyano in the early afternoon, when the shop was fairly quiet. When we went back there after dark, it became clear that the grocery shop really was the heart of the village�s social life. There were around 30 adults and children gathered around in the light given out by the shop and other nearby street lights. Music was playing and there was a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. In the centre of it all was Fabiyano�s shop, with no shortage of customers buying snacks and drinks. His mother and two of his sons had joined him to help serve the customers. �This business couldn�t be profitable if there was no electricity. I�d have to close the shop at 5pm because it would get dark and no-one would come here. Because of electricity I have lights and there are lights outside the shop too. I can stay open as late as 10pm and I still have customers.�
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All Rights Reserved