Energy experts explore possibility to construct Songwe-Malawi oil pipeline

DAR ES SALAAM: ENERGY experts from Tanzania and Malawi have held discussions on the possibility of constructing an oil pipeline from Songwe Region in Tanzania to Malawi.

The discussions took place today, November 13, 2026, at the Ministry of Energy’s offices in Dar es Salaam. The Malawian delegation was led by Director of Energy Services Joseph Kalowekamo, while the Tanzanian team was headed by Assistant Commissioner for Petroleum (Midstream and Downstream), Grace Mwakasege. Experts from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) also participated in the meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Kalowekamo said Malawi relies on the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga for more than 70 per cent of its fuel imports, which are transported by road over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometres to the country.

He said the arrangement sometimes results in supply delays and other transportation challenges, prompting Malawi to explore the possibility of using an oil pipeline from Songwe to improve transportation efficiency and strengthen the security of fuel supply.

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On her part, Mwakasege said Tanzania and Zambia were at the preliminary preparation stages of a project to construct a new TAZAMA Oil Pipeline.

She explained that the project’s feasibility study and market assessment had taken into account the needs of neighbouring partner countries, including Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mwakasege further noted that, considering Malawi’s fuel requirements, there was a possibility of connecting the country to the new TAZAMA Pipeline through one of the planned fuel distribution terminals in Songwe Region.

She said the proposed connection would enable Malawi to benefit from the infrastructure and strengthen the reliability of its fuel supply.