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.