By Durell Namasani
Malawi’s government has secured a lucrative mining investment opportunity following high-level talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi. The delegation, led by Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, included the Director General of Mining, Mr. Samuel Sakhuta, and graphite investor Dr. Eyad, who acted as a translator.
During the meeting, the Malawi team presented detailed mining data, successfully convincing UAE representatives to explore investment opportunities through International Resources Holdings (IRH), a subsidiary of the UAE government’s International Holding Company. Established in 2022, IRH manages multiple projects across Africa and Asia.
As a result, UAE has dispatched two geologists—Shailender Sinha (Vice President of Exploration) and Ravi Sharma (Chief Operating Officer)—to attend Malawi’s National Artisan Small-Scale Mining Symposium (NASSMS) from July 14–16, 2025, at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. The symposium’s theme, “Revolutionizing Malawi’s Economy through Mineral-Driven Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship for Growth,” aligns with the UAE’s investment interests.
The geologists will also meet Malawi’s Department of Geological Survey experts to finalize discussions before signing a formal agreement. Additionally, the UAE proposed that Malawi adopt an **AI-powered digital mining auction system** to enhance transparency and attract serious investors.
How the Digital Mining Auction System Works:
-Bid Bond: Ensures bidders’ financial commitment.
– Net Present Value (NPV): Assesses mineral assets’ economic potential.
– Confidence Levels: Evaluates geological risks and returns.
Benefits for Malawi:
Increased Revenue– Transparent auctions maximize government earnings.
Efficient Resource Allocation – Ensures minerals go to the highest-value investors.
Foreign Investment Boost– Attracts global mining firms.
Economic Growth– Creates jobs and improves livelihoods.
Ali Alrashdi, CEO of IRH, praised Malawi’s President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, for sending a high-powered delegation in response to the UAE leaders’ visit to Malawi on May 6, 2025. This deal marks a significant step in strengthening Malawi’s mining sector and economic growth.
