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:
- Significant cost advantage over road – transportation cost halved.
- Significant volumes with quick turnaround – 36hours delivery.
- 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.
