Malawi President Chakwera Demands Transparency in Mining Sector
President Calls for End to Secret Mining Deals
President Lazarus Chakwera has strongly criticized the lack of transparency in Malawi’s mining sector during his opening address at the 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum in Lilongwe. The President expressed frustration that Malawians often learn about mining operations from foreign companies rather than their own government.
“It is unacceptable that Malawians should hear about rutile operations in Kasiya from a foreign company’s press conference in Australia or their stock reports in London,” Chakwera stated. He emphasized that mineral resources are a matter of national security and demanded immediate transparency from the Ministry of Mining.
Government Plans Sovereign Wealth Fund
The President revealed plans to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure mining benefits reach all Malawians. He warned against exploitative practices like price transfers and hidden subsidiary companies that divert profits offshore while locals remain in poverty.
“We welcome credible investors for long-term partnerships, not economic exploiters looking for quick profits,” Chakwera declared. He specifically mentioned Malawi’s rich deposits of uranium, gold, and coal as key resources that should benefit the nation.
Mining Sector’s Economic Potential
Mining Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma highlighted the sector’s potential to grow from contributing 1% to over 30% of Malawi’s GDP. Chief Geologist Enock Chiwona estimated that fully operational mines could generate $1.8 billion annually (approximately K3.1 trillion).
The forum, themed ‘Advancing Malawi’s Mining Agenda in an Evolving Global Industry’, continues to address challenges including weak regulations, foreign profit repatriation, and lack of local value addition in the mining sector.