More haste, less speed in Malawi?
Malawi hopes to emulate its eastern African neighbours by making big hydrocarbons discoveries but progress is slow
Agricultural revenues are falling and opportunities to diversify the economy are few, so Malawi is seeking to entice explorers to establish the potential of the country's hydrocarbons reserves. It hasn't gone as well as hoped. Serious investment has not blossomed and the government's licensing strategy has attracted criticism. Efforts to woo companies to the sector started at least a decade ago and gathered momentum with the amendment of oil-sector regulations and the designation of six exploration blocks in 2009. Prospecting licences, or stakes in them, were awarded over subsequent years to several low-profile companies, including South Africa's SacOil, UK-registered Surestream and three co
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
