CDEDI pushes for fuel transport reforms, demands vessel, Sena corridor revival

As Malawi faces growing uncertainty in fuel security amid global supply disruptions, the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has placed strong emphasis on long-term structural solutions, calling for bold investments in transport and energy systems to shield Malawians from recurring crises.

Speaking during a press briefing in Blantyre on Tuesday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa emphasized that the country must urgently reassess its approach to importing and distributing fuel, warning that continued reliance on foreign transport systems is depleting scarce foreign exchange.

Among the demands is government investment in a fuel transportation vessel on Lake Malawi, saying this would significantly reduce transport costs and ease pressure on forex by limiting dependence on Tanzanian transporters.

“Government needs to invest in a vessel that can transport fuel on Lake Malawi through Chilumba Port in Karonga and Chipoka in Salima. We dare the Democratic Progressive Party administration to dream in colour; even if it means borrowing to construct a fuel pipeline.

“Zambia and Tanzania have the Tazara Corridor, a Chinese joint railway project. Malawi can ask for assistance from China to construct a rail link between Mbeya and Songwe, through which products, notably fuel, can come into the country, and proceed southwards through Lake Malawi,” said Namiwa.

In a similar push for long-term resilience, CDEDI has called for renewed focus on the long-neglected Sena Railway Corridor, arguing that reviving the route could transform the country’s logistics system and reduce the cost of doing business.

The organisation further wants a fresh audit of the Marka-Bangula Railway project and has asked the Minister of Transport to clearly explain delays surrounding the development.

Beyond transport reforms, CDEDI is also advocating for increased availability and affordability of liquefied gas, saying this would help reduce pressure on the national electricity grid while curbing environmental damage caused by overreliance on charcoal.

The organisation has also demanded clarity from authorities on the 20-80 ethanol and petrol blending ratio, particularly its impact on fuel prices and supply, noting the role of local ethanol producers in the energy mix.

On governance and accountability, CDEDI has called for the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament to summon former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) board members to account for their decision to abandon the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM).

“The Public Appointments Committee of Parliament should summon members of the recent-past MERA board members to exonerate themselves from criminal negligence for abandoning the Automatic Pricing Mechanism,” he added.

CDEDI has further urged government to institute an immediate forensic audit at MERA and the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) to establish how K1.2 trillion in under-recoveries accumulated.

The organization has also pushed for stricter transparency in fuel procurement, warning that although the Open Tender System (OTS) has benefits, it exposes the country to middlemen whose alleged kickbacks are ultimately passed on to consumers.

Namiwa warned that without implementing these measures, Malawi risks remaining vulnerable to both global shocks and internal policy failures, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the consequences.