The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has conducted a series of community safety awareness campaigns targeting 100 000 people in a drive to sensitize the communities surrounding its depots on how to safely live near fuel and rail operations.

According to NOCMA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Micklas Reuben, the campaigns have been done with an aim of reducing fuel and rail related accidents. He said the awareness campaigns target those plying businesses and residing around NOCMA depots and railways.

During the awareness campaigns, NOCMA decried the tendency of some people residing and pursuing illegal fuel businesses around the company’s premises saying this puts the lives of every citizen and that of the company’s equipment at risk.

At Lilongwe’s NOCMA depot for example, authorities have reported worries over a group of youths residing in a non-functional rail depot, waiting to draw fuel from fuel tankers and wagons, an activity the Police have described as a danger to the communities around. The police have since pledged to deal with the vice in the shortest time possible.

Senior Chief Chifumbe of Lilongwe says Chiefs have set local security strategies aimed at making sure people in their areas refrain from tampering with NOCMA equipment. He also said those found on the wrong side of the law will be delt with accordingly.

In a bid to prioritize the well-being of its staff members, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has conducted comprehensive Health and Safety awareness sessions for its employees across northern, central, and southern region offices.

The primary focus of these workshops is on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which have become a growing concern for the company.

Recent health screenings revealed that approximately 30% of NOCMA’s employees are living with NCDs, prompting the organization to take proactive measures to address this issue.

NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, are a significant public health concern in Malawi, accounting for over 30% of all deaths in the country (World Health Organization, 2020).

According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs are responsible for 37% of total deaths in the country, a study published in the BMC Public Health journal found that the prevalence of NCDs in Malawi is projected to increase by 64% between 2010 and 2025 (BMC Public Health, 2019).

The NOCMA’s Health and Safety workshops aim to educate employees on the risk factors, prevention, and management of NCDs.

The sessions covered topics such as healthy lifestyle choices, stress management, and early detection and treatment of NCDs.

By empowering employees with knowledge and skills, NOCMA hopes to reduce the incidence of NCDs among its staff and promote a culture of wellness within the organization.

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Elusive Dream Now a Reality: Malawi-Mozambique Petroleum Deal

In a groundbreaking development, Malawi and Mozambique have inked a historic bilateral agreement on petroleum and related products. 

This landmark deal signed on August 14, 2024, in Maputo, promises to revolutionize Malawi’s energy landscape, making electricity more accessible and fuel costs significantly cheaper. 

The agreement, facilitated by Presidents Lazarus Chakwera and Filipe Nyusi, marks a new era of cooperation between the two nations. 

Malawi’s Energy Minister, Ibrahim Matola, and his Mozambican counterpart, sealed the deal, paving the way for a more energy-secure future. 

Guided by Madam Colleen Zamba, Secretary of the President and Cabinet, the Energy MOU and Agreement on Petroleum and related products between Malawi and Mozambique were negotiated by the Secretary for Energy, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni and his team with their counterparts in Mozambique. 

This significant breakthrough comes on the heels of a recent milestone – the arrival on July 23, 2024 of diesel fuel by train in Lilongwe, Malawi after a 21-year hiatus. The block train was received by Hon Sosten Gwengwe, MP, Minister of Trade and Industry; Hon Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy; Madam Colleen Zamba, Secretary for President and Cabinet and NOCMA Board

The refurbished rail line from Nacala Port has already demonstrated its potential, in reducing transportation time and costs.

In his remarks President Chakwera hailed the visit and agreement as “pleasant, memorable, and successful,” emphasizing its impact on reducing pump prices and increasing electricity access nationwide.

Meanwhile NOCMA CEO, Clement Kanyama, thanked HE President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for his vision and guiding all the entities working in this area, including NOCMA to benefit from the cooperation and collaboration between Malawi and Mozambique. As guided by NOCMA Board, critical benefits include:

1. Significant cost advantage over road – transportation cost halved.
2. Significant volumes with quick turnaround – 36hours delivery.
3. ⁠Handling efficiencies

As Malawi consumes 51 million liters of fuel monthly, this deal will help meet the demand while utilizing the existing storage capacity of 60 million liters, lasting 35 days.

In addition, this momentous occasion marks a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency and economic growth for Malawi.

As the country continues to make strides in its development journey, this agreement will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for its citizens.

The recent inauguration of the block train carrying fuel from Nacala Port to Lilongwe marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s transportation history. After a 21-year hiatus, the revival of rail transport is poised to transform the fuel industry, bringing numerous benefits to the country.

The block train, operated by Central East African Railways and Nacala Logistics, has reduced transportation costs and improved fuel availability. With the capacity to carry 640,000 liters of fuel, the train will make regular trips from Nacala in Mozambique to Lilongwe, covering a total distance of 988 kilometers.

According to NOCMA CEO, Clement Kanyama, the restoration of rail services will bring about efficiency in fuel transportation, ensuring speedy delivery of goods across the country. According to the CEO, there are many benefits of hauling fuel by rail. Some of these include:

• Reduced transportation costs: Rail transport is more cost-effective than road transport, resulting in lower fuel prices for consumers.
• Improved fuel availability: Regular deliveries of fuel will ensure a steady supply, reducing the risk of fuel shortages.
• Increased efficiency: Rail transport is faster and more reliable than road transport, ensuring timely delivery of goods.
• Boost to industries: The improved transportation access will stimulate economic growth, benefiting various industries, including agriculture, tourism, and mining.
• Environmental benefits: Rail transport is a more environmentally friendly option, reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the country’s carbon footprint.

At NOCMA’s Matindi Depot in Blantyre, 23 million liters of fuel had been delivered between August 2023 and June 2024.

By December 2023, NOCMA had increased the volume of fuel hauled via rail transport to 11.4 percent from 0 percent in 2020. The company intends to reach 30 Percent in the next few months.