Staff members from the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) joined thousands of Malawians in this year’s Be More Race, demonstrating the company’s commitment to promoting employee wellness, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.

Organised by Standard Bank Plc under the theme “Keep Growing,” the 2026 edition of the Be More Race brought together participants from across the country in a celebration of fitness, perseverance and community spirit. Since its inception in 2017, the race has evolved into one of Malawi’s premier sporting events, aimed at encouraging healthy living, social inclusion and the development of athletics in the country.

Team NOCMA proudly took part in the event, joining corporate institutions, families and fitness enthusiasts in promoting the importance of physical activity and overall wellbeing.

Speaking after the race, NOCMA Health and Safety Manager, Sarai Chimombo, said participation in the event aligns with the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness among employees.

“At NOCMA, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Participating in the Be More Race reflects our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and creating a workplace culture that values physical fitness, mental wellbeing and teamwork. These values are essential in enabling us to effectively deliver on our mandate of making Malawi’s oil and gas supply secure,” said Chimombo.

She noted that occupational health and safety goes beyond compliance and encompasses the overall wellbeing of employees.

“Regular exercise contributes significantly to improved productivity, reduced stress and better health outcomes. Events such as the Be More Race provide an opportunity for staff members to connect outside the work environment, strengthen team spirit and encourage one another to embrace healthy living,” she said.

Chimombo added that participation in sporting activities is consistent with NOCMA’s broader commitment to promoting a safe and healthy working environment.

The Be More Race seeks to inspire personal growth and resilience while creating a platform for communities and organizations to come together through sport. It also supports the growth of athletics and encourages individuals of all ages and fitness levels to adopt healthier lifestyles.

For Team NOCMA, the event represented more than just a race. It was an opportunity to reinforce the values of discipline, endurance and collaboration that are central to the company’s operations.

Beyond ensuring the availability and security of petroleum products, NOCMA remains committed to initiatives that promote the welfare of its employees and contribute to national development.

Through its participation in the Be More Race, NOCMA reaffirmed its belief that a healthy and motivated workforce is key to achieving operational excellence and fulfilling its mission of making Malawi’s oil and gas supply secure.

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has officially recognised journalists Andrew Viano, Taonga Sabola and Blessings Cheleuka as winners of the inaugural NOCMA Best Petroleum Reporter of the Year category under the MISA Malawi Awards, reaffirming the company’s commitment to promoting excellence and professionalism in journalism.

The category, which was introduced in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, seeks to encourage in-depth research, informed reporting and greater public understanding of issues affecting the petroleum sector, one of the country’s strategic industries.

Each winner received a cash prize of MK1.5 million, sponsored by NOCMA, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to energy sector journalism and their efforts in producing stories that have helped inform Malawians on matters relating to fuel supply, energy security and developments within the petroleum industry.

Speaking during the recognition ceremony, NOCMA Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Emmanuel Matapa, said the award reflects the company’s appreciation of the important role the media plays in promoting transparency and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information.

“At NOCMA, we recognise that a well-informed public is essential to the growth and sustainability of the energy sector. Through this award, we want to encourage journalists to invest in research and produce factual, balanced and insightful stories that contribute to national development and enhance public understanding of the petroleum industry,” said Matapa.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of entries received during the inaugural edition and announced that the initiative will become an annual event.

“This is only the beginning. We intend to make this an annual award and, over time, grow it into an even bigger platform that will attract more participation and further promote specialised reporting on the petroleum sector. Our vision is to see more journalists developing expertise in energy reporting because quality journalism is critical to fostering accountability and supporting the country’s development agenda,” he said.

Matapa added that NOCMA remains committed to strengthening its relationship with the media and creating opportunities that encourage professionalism and excellence in reporting.

MISA Malawi Chairperson, Mr. Felix Washoni, commended NOCMA for introducing the category, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the promotion of specialised journalism in Malawi.

“The petroleum sector is highly technical and strategic, and therefore requires journalists who are willing to go beyond routine reporting and undertake in-depth research. We commend NOCMA for recognising the important role of the media and for creating a platform that rewards excellence and encourages professionalism among journalists,” said Washoni.

He said the initiative would motivate media practitioners to produce quality stories that promote transparency and contribute to informed public debate on issues affecting the country’s energy sector.

“This partnership demonstrates that the private and public sectors can work together with the media to strengthen journalism and ultimately benefit society. We hope to see this initiative grow and inspire more journalists to pursue specialised reporting,” he added.

The inaugural winners, Andrew Viano, Taonga Sabola and Blessings Cheleuka, were recognised for producing outstanding stories that demonstrated depth, accuracy and relevance in reporting on petroleum and energy-related matters.

By introducing the NOCMA Best Petroleum Reporter of the Year Award, NOCMA has taken a significant step towards fostering a culture of excellence in energy journalism while strengthening collaboration between the petroleum industry and the media.

The company believes that informed and professional reporting is key to promoting transparency, enhancing public awareness and supporting Malawi’s quest for sustainable energy security. With plans to expand the initiative in the coming years, NOCMA hopes the award will become one of the country’s premier platforms for recognising excellence in specialised journalism.

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) hosted the High Commissioner of India to Malawi, His Excellency Amararam Gujar, in a visit that underscored the strong and enduring partnership between Malawi and India in advancing the country’s energy security agenda.

During the meeting, NOCMA expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for its invaluable support towards the development of Malawi’s Strategic Fuel Reserves (SFRs), a landmark infrastructure project that has significantly enhanced the country’s capacity to withstand fuel supply disruptions and ensure a stable supply of petroleum products.

The Strategic Fuel Reserves, whose construction was financed through a line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India, have become a critical national asset, providing Malawi with a safety net against global supply shocks and contributing to the country’s economic resilience.

Speaking after the meeting, NOCMA Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Emmanuel Matapa, hailed the cordial relations between Malawi and India, describing the partnership as a testament to the power of international cooperation in promoting sustainable development.

“The Government of India has been a dependable and strategic partner in Malawi’s quest to strengthen energy security. The Strategic Fuel Reserves stand as a symbol of the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries and the shared commitment to supporting Malawi’s socio-economic development,” said Matapa.

He noted that the fuel reserves have become increasingly important in an era characterized by geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in global energy markets.

“As a country, we appreciate the foresight and support that India demonstrated through this project. The Strategic Fuel Reserves have enhanced our preparedness and our ability to cushion the nation against supply interruptions. They have become an integral component of Malawi’s energy infrastructure and are contributing to national development by ensuring the availability of petroleum products that drive industry, agriculture, transport and other sectors of the economy,” he said.

Engineer Matapa further stated that NOCMA looks forward to deepening cooperation with India in other strategic areas within the energy sector, including infrastructure development, capacity building and the sharing of technical expertise.

During the visit, His Excellency Amararam Gujar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Malawi and NOCMA, pledging continued collaboration and closer engagement in the years ahead.

The High Commissioner emphasized that India values its longstanding relationship with Malawi and remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.

He noted that energy security remains a key pillar for national development and expressed satisfaction that the Strategic Fuel Reserves project has made a meaningful contribution towards strengthening Malawi’s energy resilience.

The discussions also explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation between India and Malawi in areas of mutual interest, with both parties expressing optimism about expanding the partnership beyond the existing framework.

The visit came at a time when countries across the world are placing greater emphasis on energy security and resilient supply chains amid changing global dynamics.

For NOCMA, the engagement reaffirmed the importance of strong international partnerships in delivering strategic investments that safeguard Malawi’s energy future.

As the custodian of the country’s Strategic Fuel Reserves and a key player in the petroleum sector, NOCMA remains committed to working with both local and international partners to ensure a secure, reliable and sustainable supply of fuel for the nation.

The visit by His Excellency Amararam Gujar further strengthens the longstanding friendship between Malawi and India and highlights the shared vision of the two countries towards fostering economic growth, resilience and prosperity through strategic cooperation.