By Shaffie A Mtambo
Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, has emphasized the importance of investing in the mining sector, describing it as “dreaming in colour” as the country pursues its ambition to become a middle-income nation by 2030.
Speaking at the Malawi Mining Investment Forum in Lilongwe, Ng’oma expressed optimism about the country’s economic transformation under President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership.
The Minister highlighted significant milestones achieved since the inaugural forum, including the establishment of the Mining and Mineral Regulatory Authority (MMRA) and the Malawi Mining Investment Company.
He also noted the introduction of legal safeguards to protect communities from the environmental impacts of mining and measures to curb smuggling and externalization of precious minerals.
Maxwell Kazako, President of the Malawi Chamber of Mines and Energy, echoed Ng’oma’s sentiments, stating that the mining sector could be a catalyst for economic transformation if local authorities expedite reforms.
“With targeted interventions and reforms, mining can serve as a catalyst for economic transformation for all Malawians,” Kazako said.
However, Kazako also noted that the sector faces challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and licensing delays, which have limited its growth.
The Malawi Mining Investment Forum, now in its second edition, brings together key stakeholders to discuss the sector’s potential and challenges.
The forum provides a platform for government officials, investors, and artisanal miners to collaborate and find solutions to unlock the sector’s full potential.
