By Jones Gadama
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has emphasized the need for transparency in Malawi’s mining sector, highlighting its potential to unlock economic growth and propel the country into the middle-income bracket.
Dr. Usi made these remarks during the opening of the Presidential Delivery Unit’s Mining Lab in Lilongwe, a three-day meeting funded by the Government of Britain.
The meeting aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss the future of Malawi’s mining industry, exploring opportunities to improve the sector and ensure it benefits the entire nation, not just investors.
Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, described the mining sector as a game-changer for Malawi’s economy, expressing optimism that the meeting will yield positive outcomes.
“We believe that the mining sector can be a significant contributor to Malawi’s economic growth,” Dr. Usi said.
“However, for this to happen, we need to ensure transparency in mining processes across all mining sites,” he added.
The Vice President’s call for transparency is in line with his previous stance on promoting accountability in various sectors.
In a meeting with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) members, Dr. Usi urged the organization to be transparent and accountable in its operations.
British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s mining sector.
“We are pleased to be funding this meeting, which will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of Malawi’s mining industry,” she said.
The meeting is expected to explore ways to improve the mining sector, including increasing transparency and accountability, promoting local content, and ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities.
According to Dr. Usi, Malawi’s industrialization and the successful implementation of the Malawi 2063 strategy depend on the development of a robust economy, which the mining sector can significantly contribute to.
As Malawi strives to achieve its development goals, the mining sector is poised to play a crucial role.
With the right policies and practices in place, the sector can unlock opportunities for economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of Malawians.
The Presidential Delivery Unit’s Mining Lab provides a timely platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector.
By working together, Malawi can harness the potential of its mining industry to drive economic growth and development.
Dr. Usi’s call for transparency in the mining sector is a step in the right direction.
With the support of stakeholders, including the Government of Britain, Malawi can unlock the potential of its mining industry and propel the country towards economic growth and development
