DAR ES SALAAM: Malawi’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Jean Mathanga, has praised Tanzania for its role as a critical fuel supply hub for the landlocked southern African nation, highlighting its importance to Malawi’s economy.
Speaking during a visit to oil infrastructure at the Kurasini Oil Jetty at the Port of Dar es Salaam, Mathanga said Tanzania’s facilities have been instrumental in ensuring a steady flow of fuel imports into Malawi.
“As a landlocked country, Malawi depends on infrastructure in neighbouring countries, particularly Tanzania, to secure reliable fuel supplies,” he said.
Mathanga said the Port of Dar es Salaam has become a “key pillar” in Malawi’s fuel supply chain, supporting economic activity and improving livelihoods.
The visit aimed to assess fuel handling operations at the port, including offloading, storage and distribution systems, as Malawi seeks to improve its fuel procurement and logistics planning.
Mathanga said he was satisfied with the systems in place, noting that insights gained from the visit would help Malawi strengthen its supply strategies.
Officials from the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said such visits enhance confidence among regional partners in using Dar es Salaam as a primary gateway for fuel imports.
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Mussa Biboze, a TPA representative, said improved understanding of port operations could boost trade efficiency and support regional economic integration.
Meanwhile, Bruno Tarimo, Director of Petroleum Operations at Tanzania’s Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA), said a significant share of fuel destined for Malawi is routed through Tanzania under its Bulk Procurement System.
He added that visiting officials observed the full fuel handling process, including ship reception, quality and volume verification using modern systems, and operational oversight by technical experts.
The Port of Dar es Salaam serves several landlocked countries in the region, positioning Tanzania as a strategic logistics hub in East and Southern Africa.