Thesis (M.Com. (Development Theory and Policy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Economic and Business Sciences, 2016. / Energy security, particularly liquid fuels, is a vital economic goal for both developed and developing nations.As a region, SADC has large coal, oil and gas reserves,and land for potential crop production for biofuels, yet access to liquid fuels is still a major constraint to economic and social development. Some coal is utilised in the region for petrochemical industries, power generation, and for heating. Crude oil reserves are largely exported due to the lack of refineries and pipelines in the region. Whilst biofuels production is in its infancy. This paper explores the challenges and opportunitiesthe SADC region faces in developing refining capacity and in investing in new CTL/GTL facilities as well as liquid fuels from renewable energy resources. A primary focus will be on Malawi and her neighbouring states, as a case study. / MT2017