National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) says that Tanga port in Tanzania has become a viable option for fuel imports as other ports nearer like Dar es Salaam and Beira in Mozambique will remain congested until mid this year.

According to Nocma spokesperson Raymond Likambale, despite that Tanga is at least 1,600 kilometers from Malawi, the port offers faster operations, better roads and has the ability to move over 200 fuel tankers daily.

Likambale made the remarks today during a media tour of Tanga port.

He admitted that the first shipment through Tanga faced delays but was quick to point out that improvements were made, adding that Tanzanian port authorities resolved earlier system issues, and tankers can now be released on the same day.

He said: “Currently, our teams are working diligently to finalise the next Government-to-Government consignment,

“Nocma is cognisant of the long distance from Malawi to Tanga, but the good conditions of the road and the port’s product handling efficiency and infrastructural capacity mitigate this concern.”

Meanwhile, Tanga terminal technical manager for GBP Enerst Lawuo, whose company handles the fuel shipment and storage, said it is cheaper for Malawi to utilise the port.

In a significant step towards ensuring fuel security, a high-level Malawian government delegation led by the Secretary for Energy, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni, is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for crucial bilateral discussions with major oil-producing nations. This follows the landmark policy shift from the Open Tender System (OTS) to Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel procurement, as announced by His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

The country has embraced the G2G model with great enthusiasm, viewing it as a strategic intervention that will stabilize fuel supply and mitigate persistent fuel stockouts that have affected economic activities and daily life. The shift to G2G procurement is expected to enhance efficiency, secure long-term supply agreements, and strengthen Malawi’s energy security.
The delegation comprises key figures in Malawi’s energy and procurement sectors, including Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority Director General Dr. Edington Chilapondwa, Solicitor General Mr. Allison M’bang’ombe, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr. Henry Kachaje, National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) Board Member Gideon Nyirongo, Principal Secretary for Finance in the Office of the President and Cabinet and NOCMA Board Member Mr. Godwin Kaonongera, NOCMA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Clement Kanyama, and NOCMA Deputy CEO Mr. Micklas Ruben.
On Monday, 10 March 2025, the team engaged in high-level discussions with the CEO of Oman’s national oil company, OQT, Wail Al Jamali. The following day, 11 March 2025, they met with senior management of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), led by its CEO, Ahmad Bin Thalith.

The engagements will continue with further meetings scheduled with national oil companies from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Dubai on Wednesday and Thursday (12 and 13 March 2025). These discussions are expected to yield long-term agreements that will solidify Malawi’s fuel supply, ensuring consistent availability and reducing the country’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
The accompanying pictures capture the Malawi delegation following successful meetings with OQT of Oman and ADNOC of Abu Dhabi.

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has welcomed its newly appointed Board of Directors, who have undergone an intensive orientation program at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre. The event marked a pivotal moment in the company’s commitment to ensuring Malawi remains an oil and gas-secure nation.
Speaking at the orientation, the Comptroller of Statutory Corporations, Mr. Peter Simbani, emphasized the need for the new Board to execute their mandate with integrity, urgency, and unwavering dedication. He stated that Malawians have placed their trust in the Board and NOCMA, and it is imperative that they deliver on their responsibilities effectively.
In his remarks, Board member Mr. Masauko Thawe reaffirmed the commitment of the new leadership team, stressing that all decisions made will prioritize the interests of Malawians and contribute to the continued growth and success of NOCMA.
As part of the orientation, the Board of Directors visited NOCMA’s Strategic Fuel Reserves to gain firsthand insight into operations and challenges faced by the company. This visit allowed them to assess key areas requiring strategic interventions and innovative solutions to enhance fuel security in the country.
NOCMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Clement Kanyama, expressed confidence in the newly appointed Board, stating that their collective expertise and guidance would be instrumental in shaping the company’s future. He assured stakeholders that NOCMA is working tirelessly to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply across the country and looks forward to making strategic decisions that will strengthen the organization’s operations.
Meet the New Board of Directors:
1. Ms. Colleen Zamba – Chairperson & Secretary to the Office of President and Cabinet
2. Ms. Prudence Bobe
3. Ms. Talekeleni Kagaso
4. Ms. Tadala Makata Kakwesa
5. Assoc. Prof. Sam Katengeza
6. Mr. Innocent Mphote
7. Mr. Gideon Nyirongo
8. Ms. Rhita Sanga
9. Mr. Masauko Thawe
10. Eng. Alfonso Chikuni – Principal Secretary for Energy
11. Mr. Peter Simbani – Comptroller, Department of Statutory Corporations
12. Dr. Betchani Tchereni – Principal Secretary to the Treasury
With the Board already in action, NOCMA is poised to achieve new milestones, ensuring energy security and fostering economic growth for Malawi. Stay updated on NOCMA’s journey as we continue to fuel the nation’s progress.

The Government of Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted fuel supply across the country.

Speaking during the Boma Likutinji program, the Minister of Energy, Hon. Ibrahim Matola, highlighted ongoing efforts by his Ministry, MERA, NOCMA, PIL, all Oil Marketing Companies, Transporters (both local and foreign) and Malawi Bureau of Standards to maintain fuel security in the country.

Hon. Matola assured Malawians that the Government is exploring multiple import routes while strengthening existing ones to ensure a reliable fuel supply. Hon. Matola indicated that Exchange Control authorities are also exploring additional measures to guarantee FX allocation towards fuel imports.

Hon. Minister briefed the country of the arrival of 50.1million litres of petroleum products at the Port of Tanga, in the United Republic of Tanzania on 29 December 2025. Malawi through NOCMA started lifting this product on 6 January 2025.

He noted that as of 7 February, 25million had been transported into Malawi, with the balance 25.1million to be lifted in the coming weeks.

Hon Matola emphasized that NOCMA has swiftly implemented key resolutions from a high-level meeting chaired by the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Michael Usi, which included the Ministry of Energy, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), NOCMA and other stakeholders.
“NOCMA is at the forefront of ensuring Malawi’s fuel supply remains stable. We are working tirelessly to implement strategies that safeguard our energy security, including optimizing transportation networks and storage facilities,” said Hon. Matola.

In concluding his statement, Hon Matola acknowledged efforts of officials from his Ministry, MERA, NOCMA, PIL, all Oil Marketing Companies, Transporters (both local and foreign), Malawi Bureau of Standards, for their commitment towards delivery of petroleum products to end fuel-consumers.

For more updates on fuel security and NOCMA’s strategic initiatives, stay connected with us on our official platforms.

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES ACHIEVED IN RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT TOWARD TRANSPORTATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

On his part, the Minister of Transport, Hon. Jacob Hara, announced that his Ministry has intensified efforts to rehabilitate Malawi’s railway infrastructure to enhance fuel transportation efficiency. He revealed that the Marka-Bangula railway project will soon extend to Nsanje Boma, featuring fully operational transshipment facilities for fuel transportation.
“Rail transport is a game-changer in reducing logistics costs. By expanding the Marka-Bangula railway line, we are creating a more efficient and cost-effective fuel supply system that will benefit all Malawians,” Hon. Hara stated.

The Boma Likutinji program, hosted by the Minister of Information, Hon. Moses Kunkuyu, serves as a platform to update Malawians on the Government’s developmental initiatives. The event was attended by senior Government officials, including ESCOM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamkwamba Kumwenda, NOCMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Clement Kanyama, Roads Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Roads Funds Administration Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stewart Malata.

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has welcomed the completion of a system upgrade by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), a development expected to significantly improve the haulage of fuel from Tanzania to Malawi.
Speaking from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, NOCMA’s Senior Supplies and Distribution Officer, Jacob Sesani, described the upgrade as a step in the right direction in ensuring a steady and efficient fuel supply chain. He noted that the TRA’s system enhancement, which had taken longer than initially anticipated, had resulted in a backlog of fuel tankers on the Tanzanian side, disrupting supply to Malawi.
“With the system upgrade now completed, we have already seen a significant increase in the number of tankers crossing the border into Malawi. This positive trend is expected to continue, offering much-needed relief after a period of constrained fuel supply in the country,” Sesani stated.
Meanwhile, NOCMA has intensified engagement with key stakeholders across the fuel supply chain to expedite processes involved in fuel handling and distribution. These efforts aim to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of fuel to Malawi, mitigating any future disruptions.
NOCMA remains committed to ensuring a stable fuel supply in the country and will continue working closely with all relevant authorities to enhance efficiency in fuel transportation and distribution.

Motorists across Malawi are now refueling without challenges following the successful haulage of fuel from Tanga Port in Tanzania. This development has brought relief to the nation after months of fuel shortages that affected businesses, transport operations, and daily activities.
As the appointed agent managing the Government-to-Government arrangement, The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has been at the forefront of addressing the fuel supply challenges, ensuring that adequate petroleum products reach the country. In response to the shortages, NOCMA intensified efforts to secure alternative fuel import routes, leading to the commencement of fuel transportation from Tanga Port.
Speaking on the matter, NOCMA spokesperson Raymond Likambale reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining a stable fuel supply. “We are pleased to see that motorists are now accessing fuel without difficulty. NOCMA will continue to load more petroleum products from Tanga to ensure that Malawi always has adequate fuel supplies,” said Likambale.
Motorists and business owners have expressed their gratitude towards NOCMA for its relentless efforts in resolving the crisis. Many have lauded the company for its swift action and strategic planning, which have contributed to the restoration of normal fuel distribution across the country.
As part of its long-term strategy, NOCMA continues to explore additional supply routes and enhance fuel storage capacity to prevent future shortages. The company remains dedicated to ensuring that Malawi’s fuel supply chain remains robust and reliable, supporting economic activities and the livelihoods of Malawians.
NOCMA assures the public that it will keep working closely with stakeholders to sustain the steady flow of petroleum products into the country. Motorists and businesses can now operate with confidence, knowing that fuel shortages are being actively addressed.