One year ago today, on 18 November 2014, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining announced that the Government was reviewing all exploration licences for oil and gas and any agreements signed with companies. The companies were told to cease operations until the review was complete. The review is yet to be concluded.

The Press Release, signed by Principal Secretary Ben Botolo, indicated that the review was being undertaken

to allow the Government to thoroughly scrutinise and review each and every Licence and Agreement that was issued or signed. This procedure is necessary to ensure that the Licences that were granted or the Agreements that were signed are for the benefit of the people of Malawi and were done in accordance with all the relevant laws of the country.

Licences were awarded during both the administration of Bingu wa Mutharika and of Joyce Banda and agreements were signed less than two…