President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed Malawi’s interest to participate in the Angola–Zambia Oil Pipeline Project agreement, an initiative designed to facilitate the transportation of petroleum products between these two nations.

The President told journalists after holding bilateral talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço on the collaborative opportunities and mutual benefits as outlined in the General Cooperation Agreement endorsed by both governments.

Chakwera (L) locked in discussion with his Angolan counterpart Lourenço

Chakwera, who was in Luanda, Angola to attend the 43rd Ordinary Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Summit, underscored the potentially transformative impact of the country’s involvement in the Angola–Zambia Oil Pipeline Project.

He said: “Malawi is experiencing erratic supply of petroleum products which obviously affects the country’s economy. Malawi stands to gain significantly from improved access to a consistent supply of oil.”

The President said Malawi has initiated discussions between Minister of Energy Nancy Tembo and her Angolan counterpart Tete António to express its willingness to join the Angola–Zambia Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding.

Chakwera welcomed the signing of the General Cooperation Agreement, which lays the groundwork for establishing a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation between Angola and Malawi.

This agreement, signed by Tembo and António, is expected to enhance bilateral relations in sectors of energy, agriculture, mining, defence and security as well as trade and investment.

Chakwera left Luanda for Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday to attend the 15th Session of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) Plus Outreach Summit from 22nd to 24th August, 2023.

The President is expected to leverage his presence at Brics to hold bilateral discussions with other world leaders to garner assistance for the country’s economic recovery.

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