Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant step toward strengthening regional energy partnerships, Kenya and Malawi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the petroleum sector. The MoU, signed on Wednesday by Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Malawi’s Minister for Energy, Ibrahim Matola, establishes a government-to-government (G-to-G) framework for the bulk importation of refined petroleum products.
The MoU follows discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2024. These discussions underscored a mutual commitment to energy security and sustainable development, with senior officials from both nations contributing to the framework for enhanced collaboration.
The five-year agreement is aimed at securing a stable supply of refined petroleum products for both countries, with an eye toward economic growth and energy resilience. Kenya’s PS for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, and a delegation from Malawi were present to witness the signing ceremony.
In 2022, Kenya’s refined petroleum imports totaled $5.41 billion, making it the 50th largest importer of the product globally. The bulk of Kenya’s imports come from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, the Netherlands, and Oman. This MoU represents a new approach to Kenya’s petroleum sourcing, potentially diversifying supply chains and reducing dependency on traditional markets.
