Mining & Trade News

The Malawi Government took advantage of the 2025 International Mining Investment Forum it hosted in Lilongwe to market a number of investment opportunities it is offering in the mining sector through its newly formed Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO).

“The once fast asleep geological giant of Malawi is now not only awake and alert, but also very thirsty and hungry for genuine investments,” said MAMICO CEO Professor Dr Leonard Kalindekafe.

Kalindekafe explained that MAMICO is offering investment opportunities through strategic partnerships in its planned projects across the whole mining value chain.

Mamico’s planned projects are in areas of gold buying and selling, gold exploration, development of state of the art geological laboratory, gemstone buying and selling and jewelry factory, lime and cement factory, rutile and graphite mining, rare earths mining, niobium mining, uranium mining, oil and gas exploration, quarry stone, lithium, nickel, copper and pyrite.

Kalindekafe said: “This is Malawi’s Moment. Malawi, through MAMICO, is not just offering world class mineral resources, the country is also offering strategic partnerships, excellent, modernized, easily accessible and reliable geological data, stability, a strategic location, and commitment to responsible mining practices.”

“As the world is busy banging its heads trying to find secure and sustainable mineral supplies, Malawi’s sleeping geological giant has awakened, her untapped mineral riches are shining brighter than ever.”

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera said the mining sector alone has everything needed for Malawi to achieve upper-middle income economic status  as evidenced by the value of minerals that the nation has and strong interest from investors.

Chakwera said for the nation to realize the benefits, there is a need to solve three economic transformation puzzles in order to turn minerals into inclusive wealth. He said the three puzzles include: strong regulatory framework made up of a combination of strong institutions; negotiation of smart mining agreements that work for the developmental goals of Malawi and; and investment partnerships.

Chakwera said; “A strong regulatory framework in mining ensures that there is equal opportunity for genuine investors, a fair and level playing field for stakeholders, while leaving no room for illegal mining or environmental degradation. "

“This is why for the first time in Malawi’s history, my administration has put in place a new mining law that establishes the Mining Authority for this purpose.”

“Even if there are minerals deep in the remotest parts of the forests of Malawi, no one should be able to touch them without the Mining Authority or Ministry knowing about it, or be able to do so without a licence, or without following the laws of Malawi.”

Chakwera also stressed that the big part of having strong regulatory framework is ensuring that there is public transparency.

On negotiation puzzle, Chakwera condemned the tendency of entrusting the negotiation process to people who have no expertise and global experience in the best structure for these Mining Development Agreements (MDAs).

  In his speech, Minister of Mining Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said despite numerous gains there are challenges being faced by the sector including mistakes in philosophical, ecological and economic missteps that force the nation to overly rely on agriculture leaving vast mineral wealth untouched.

Ng’oma said; “We are now correcting these mistakes. Mining is no longer an afterthought; it is central to our national development agenda.”

“Contracts will be properly negotiated to ensure Malawi reaps maximum benefits and while we focus on low-hanging fruits, we are equally laying the foundation for long-term value creation.”

“We are investing in exploration, infrastructure, beneficiation, and local content to ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to Malawi’s economy — not just today, but for generations to come.”

“We are determined and keen to get to a day, soon, when our industry can turn the graphite at Kasiya into pencils and batteries and such other things, a day when we will have the ability to polish all our gemstones and produce high quality jewellery, lime for the construction industry and the agriculture sector, copper into screws and decorations, monazite into magnets.  

Ng’oma said that his dream is ensure that mining goes beyond extraction and that policies put much emphasis on beneficiation or value addition; environmental and social governance compliance and; inclusive development that must recognise women and youth as key players.  

President for Chamber of Mines and Energy Maxwell Jomo Kazako pledged to work in partnership with Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) in the country recognising their vital role in small scale operations in broader mining ecosystems. Kazako said their commitment comes in to proactively regulate compliance ensuring that Malawi remains free from illegal mining activities.  

However, Kazako outlined some of the challenges faced by the Chamber which includes: capacity building gaps; licensing delays; policy inconsistencies, bureaucratic hurdles, and conflicts at both local and national levels.

He said: “To address these challenges decisively, the Chamber has developed a comprehensive action plan with key initiatives, such as: strengthening grassroots engagement, providing technical support to both large-scale and small-scale miners, forging strategic regional and international partnerships, advocating for meaningful and timely policy reforms, and boosting active member participation.”

“Additionally, we are prioritizing the establishment of a sustainable funding model to ensure the Chamber's long-term resilience and impact.

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