In a significant development, the National Oil Company of Malawi has announced that 51 million liters of petroleum products have been discharged from a vessel that arrived at Tanga Port in Tanzania on December 29, 2024.

The shipment, facilitated through a government-to-government arrangement, is expected to alleviate the country’s fuel shortages.

According to Senior Supplies Officer Jacob Sesani, the confirmation of volumes and clearance are at an advanced stage, and efforts are being made to ensure the product is ferried to Malawi on time.

Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has expressed satisfaction with the progress, assuring Malawians of the government’s commitment to procuring more fuel.

The arrival of the petroleum products is a welcome relief for Malawians who have been grappling with fuel shortages. The government’s efforts to address the crisis have been underway, with President Lazarus Chakwera announcing the government-to-government arrangement to procure fuel.

As the country looks forward to a more stable fuel supply, the National Oil Company of Malawi is working tirelessly to ensure the product is delivered efficiently. With the confirmation of volumes and clearance nearing completion, Malawians can expect a significant improvement in the fuel situation in the coming days.

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) is reaffirming its commitment to upholding transparency and integrity within the organization and across its operations with the continued promotion of its toll-free, anonymous tip-off hotline. The hotline, 847, which is available for use across all mobile networks, is managed by Deloitte and serves as a confidential channel for reporting issues such as sexual harassment, fraud, theft, conflict of interest, intimidation, and violations of company procedures.

The hotline, which was established to promote accountability and a safe working environment, operates under the guiding principles of RESIST, REJECT, REPORT, urging individuals to act against misconduct and unethical practices within the organization.

NOCMA’s Internal Audit Manager, Emily Kanthenga, emphasized that the company is committed to ensuring that both employees and the public are well-informed about the tip-off service. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that people know about the hotline and feel confident in using it,” Kanthenga said. “This is an important tool for maintaining the integrity of NOCMA and ensuring that any misconduct or unethical behavior is swiftly addressed.”

Since its launch, the hotline has provided a vital space for whistleblowers to report sensitive issues without fear of retaliation. The service is fully anonymous, designed to protect the identity of the caller while facilitating thorough investigations into reported concerns.

“The hotline plays a key role in promoting a culture of honesty and accountability within NOCMA,” Kanthenga added. “We want to remind the public that no issue is too small or too big to report. If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to speak out.”

The hotline is operational across all networks in Malawi, making it easily accessible to a broad range of individuals. In addition to helping with internal employee matters, it also allows the public to report incidents of corruption, misconduct, or violations that may impact the company’s operations or the wider community.

By strengthening the public’s awareness of this resource, NOCMA aims to foster a workplace environment where ethical behavior is championed and where any form of harassment, fraud, or misconduct is not tolerated.

For those wishing to make a report, the toll-free number is available 24/7, ensuring that concerns can be raised at any time. The system allows for swift and effective responses, ensuring that NOCMA’s standards of integrity are met and maintained.

NOCMA extends its gratitude to those who have already used the hotline and encourages more members of the public and employees to utilize it as a means of ensuring a transparent and ethical working environment. The company’s ongoing efforts to educate and empower both employees and the public to speak out demonstrate its unwavering commitment to building a trusted, ethical organization.

In a significant move towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s oil sector, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has engaged a seasoned consultant; O and M Consulting to facilitate the development of its strategic plan for 2024 to 2029. This initiative, which includes soliciting views from a wide range of stakeholders, is aimed at creating a roadmap that will guide the company in navigating the complex challenges of the energy market while maximizing opportunities for growth.

The consultative process is already garnering praise from industry experts and stakeholders alike. By actively seeking input from various groups, including government agencies, private sector players, and community representatives, NOCMA is ensuring that the strategic plan reflects the diverse needs and expectations of all parties involved. This inclusive approach is expected to foster a sense of ownership and collaboration, essential for the successful implementation of the plan.

“The importance of stakeholder engagement cannot be overstated,” said Clement Kanyama, Chief Executive Officer for NOCMA. “Involving different voices not only enriches the plan but also builds trust and transparency, which are crucial for long-term sustainability,” Said Kanyama.

Speaking at a Stakeholders’ workshop Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel in Salima, Board member for NOCMA Mr. Chrispin Ndalama, who was also Guest of Honor at the event, said the strategic plan itself promises to address critical issues facing the oil sector, including infrastructure development, supply chain management, and environmental sustainability. By setting clear objectives and measurable outcomes, NOCMA aims to position itself as a leader in the regional energy landscape while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Stakeholders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of the strategic plan. “This is a fantastic opportunity for NOCMA to redefine its role and enhance its contribution to the national economy,” said Benedicto Kondowe, a representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). “A well-thought-out strategic plan will not only improve operational efficiencies but also attract investment and create jobs.”

Moreover, the consultative process is expected to identify innovative solutions to the challenges that have historically hindered the oil sector’s growth. By incorporating insights from diverse experiences and perspectives, NOCMA can better adapt to global trends, such as the transition to renewable energy sources.

As the consultation phase unfolds, stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate and share their insights, ensuring that the final strategic plan is robust, comprehensive, and future-focused. With the 2024 to 2029 strategic plan on the horizon, NOCMA is poised to lead Malawi’s oil sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

The success of this initiative could mark a turning point for the country’s energy landscape, setting the stage for a more resilient and dynamic oil industry that meets the needs of all Malawians.

In a significant boost for Malawi’s fuel importation challenges, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has secured a $50 million revolving credit fund from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). This strategic financial partnership aims to alleviate the foreign currency constraints that have been hindering fuel supplies in the country.

Malawians have faced a threat of fuel shortages, leading to long queues at petrol stations and disruptions in transportation and commerce due to panic buying. This has been attributed to foreign exchange limitations, making it difficult for fuel importers to secure the necessary funds for purchasing oil products from abroad. This situation has not only impacted daily life but has also stifled economic growth and development.

The new revolving credit fund is expected to provide NOCMA with the flexibility needed to procure fuel more efficiently. By enhancing access to foreign currency, the company will be better positioned to maintain a steady supply of fuel, ultimately reducing the frequency and severity of shortages. With this funding, NOCMA aims to streamline its operations and ensure that Service Stations across the country remain adequately stocked.

“This funding is a game-changer for us,” said Clement Kanyama, Chief Executive Officer for NOCMA. “With the support from BADEA, we can now stabilize our fuel supply, which is vital for the economy. We are committed to making sure that our citizens have reliable access to fuel, as it is essential for transportation, agriculture, and overall economic activities.”

The Malawian government has welcomed this development, emphasizing its commitment to resolving all bottlenecks affecting fuel supply. Authorities believe that the timely disbursement of this fund will not only ease the burden on consumers but also foster a more stable economic environment.

As the country prepares for the implementation of this credit facility, citizens are hopeful that the fuel shortages will soon become a thing of the past. With NOCMA’s renewed capacity to import fuel, Malawians can look forward to a more reliable supply, which is crucial for daily commuting and business operations.

In the coming weeks, NOCMA plans to ramp up its procurement efforts, aiming to swiftly translate this financial support into tangible benefits for the people of Malawi. The hope is that this strategic move will pave the way for a more resilient energy sector, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall economic stability and growth.

In a strategic move to address rising concerns over potential fuel shortages in Malawi, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has ramped up its utilization of rail transport for fuel deliveries. Recently, Raymond Likambale, NOCMA’s Public Relations Officer, led a media tour at the Matindi Depot in Blantyre, showcasing the arrival of a train carrying an impressive 2 million liters of diesel.

The initiative aims to significantly reduce transportation costs and improve the efficiency of fuel distribution throughout the country. Likambale emphasized the importance of rail as a reliable mode of transport, particularly during a time when fuel scarcity has become a pressing issue for many Malawians.

“The arrival of this train is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that fuel is readily available to all our customers,” Likambale stated. “By using rail, we not only cut costs but also enhance our capacity to deliver fuel to various regions swiftly.”

The Matindi Depot serves as a critical hub for NOCMA’s operations, and the increased use of rail is expected to alleviate some of the pressures faced in fuel supply chains. As concerns grow about fuel availability, NOCMA’s efforts to bolster its logistics operations come as a welcome relief to both consumers and businesses.

With the rainy season approaching, the company is keen to ensure that fuel distribution remains uninterrupted. NOCMA has expressed optimism that the enhanced rail operations will contribute significantly to stabilizing fuel prices and ensuring consistent supply.

As Malawi continues to navigate the challenges of fuel supply, NOCMA’s proactive measures reflect a broader commitment to maintaining energy security in the country.