President Chakwera Demands Transparency In Mining Sector
By Fareeda Muheya
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has issued a firm directive to officials in Malawi’s mining sector, demanding a shift toward transparency and accountability. He declared that the long-standing silence from the Ministry regarding ongoing mining activities must come to an immediate end, particularly in relation to developments in Kasiya, which remain shrouded in secrecy. Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 Mining Investment Forum, held on April 29 at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, President Chakwera criticized the continued lack of information available to the public and expressed concern over the absence of updates from mining officials.
The President voiced his disappointment, saying it is disturbing that Malawians still have not received clear communication about what is happening in Kasiya. He used the forum to speak candidly about the dangers of exploitative investors and the opacity surrounding many mining agreements. Chakwera called for a new era of honest partnerships, where the country’s vast mineral wealth is harnessed to benefit not just foreign investors or selected few individuals, but the entire Malawian population.
In his address, the President emphasized the importance of building a strong regulatory foundation for the mining sector. He outlined the essential components required to turn mineral resources into inclusive national wealth: effective institutions, robust legal and policy frameworks, and the establishment of modern testing laboratories to ensure compliance and quality control. According to Chakwera, such a framework will foster equal opportunities for credible investors, maintain a fair and competitive environment for all stakeholders, and eliminate space for illegal operations and environmental destruction.
Adding to the President’s message, the Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, spoke about recent institutional developments designed to elevate the mining sector. He highlighted the creation of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority and the Malawi Mining Investment Company as critical steps toward strategic government participation in mining ventures. Ng’oma projected that once ongoing projects are fully operational, the sector’s contribution to the national economy could increase from its current 0.7 percent to a significant 10 percent. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the country’s mineral assets and ensuring that mining activity is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Also speaking at the forum, Maxwell Kazako, president of the Malawi Chamber of Mines and Energy, affirmed the private sector’s support in reforming and strengthening the industry. He stated that the Chamber is working closely with stakeholders to improve legal and regulatory frameworks and ensure that all activities adhere to national and international standards.
The forum, held under the theme, “Advancing Malawi’s Mining Agenda in an Evolving Global Industry,” attracted a wide array of participants. These included international delegations, development partners, government representatives, civil society organizations, industry leaders, academics, and policy makers — all gathered with a shared interest in shaping the future of mining in Malawi.
He declared that the long-standing silence from the Ministry regarding ongoing mining activities must come to an immediate end, particularly in relation to developments in Kasiya, which remain shrouded in secrecy. Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 Mining Investment Forum, held on April 29 at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, President Chakwera criticized the continued lack of information available to the public and expressed concern over the absence of updates from mining officials.
The President voiced his disappointment, saying it is disturbing that Malawians still have not received clear communication about what is happening in Kasiya. He used the forum to speak candidly about the dangers of exploitative investors and the opacity surrounding many mining agreements. Chakwera called for a new era of honest partnerships, where the country’s vast mineral wealth is harnessed to benefit not just foreign investors or selected few individuals, but the entire Malawian population.
In his address, the President emphasized the importance of building a strong regulatory foundation for the mining sector. He outlined the essential components required to turn mineral resources into inclusive national wealth: effective institutions, robust legal and policy frameworks, and the establishment of modern testing laboratories to ensure compliance and quality control. According to Chakwera, such a framework will foster equal opportunities for credible investors, maintain a fair and competitive environment for all stakeholders, and eliminate space for illegal operations and environmental destruction.
Adding to the President’s message, the Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, spoke about recent institutional developments designed to elevate the mining sector. He highlighted the creation of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority and the Malawi Mining Investment Company as critical steps toward strategic government participation in mining ventures. Ng’oma projected that once ongoing projects are fully operational, the sector’s contribution to the national economy could increase from its current 0.7 percent to a significant 10 percent. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the country’s mineral assets and ensuring that mining activity is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Also speaking at the forum, Maxwell Kazako, president of the Malawi Chamber of Mines and Energy, affirmed the private sector’s support in reforming and strengthening the industry. He stated that the Chamber is working closely with stakeholders to improve legal and regulatory frameworks and ensure that all activities adhere to national and international standards.
The forum, held under the theme, “Advancing Malawi’s Mining Agenda in an Evolving Global Industry,” attracted a wide array of participants. These included international delegations, development partners, government representatives, civil society organizations, industry leaders, academics, and policy makers — all gathered with a shared interest in shaping the future of mining in Malawi.
