Chakwera Calls for Increased Investment in Malawi's Mining Sector
The two-day forum brought together delegates responsible for mining from various countries, including South Sudan, Tanzania, and Malawi.
LILONGWE, Malawi — President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the need for Malawi to invest more in its mining sector to transform the country's economy and benefit from its mineral resources, writes Moses Nyirenda.
Chakwera made the remarks on Tuesday while opening the inaugural Malawi Mining Investment Forum at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
"We need to know that Malawi has got natural resources that every country across the globe would want to have. Therefore, the time has come for us as a country to start investing in the mining sector in order to make use of the natural resources that we have," Chakwera said.
The president also highlighted the need for a well-regulated mining sector to prevent abuse by foreigners and illegal local miners.
Malawi's Minister of Mining, Monica Chang'anamuno, echoed the call for increased investment, stating, "It is time for the country to start processing its minerals."
"Our precious stones need to be processed right here in Malawi, whereby value will be added," Chang'anamuno said.
The minister further stated that her ministry is committed to providing a conducive environment for those willing to invest in the country's mining sector to accelerate its growth.
Chang'anamuno also praised the Malawi Mining Investment Forum, saying it would foster dialogue among different stakeholders to attract investments and partnerships that would benefit the country's mining sector.
South Sudan's Minister of Mining, Martin Abucha, commended the forum, saying it would foster collaboration that would promote the utilization of minerals and advance the mining sector across Africa.
"The forum would assist in developing ourselves to utilize the mineral resources we have," Abucha said.
Moses Engadu, the Secretary-General for the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, also hailed the Government of Malawi for organizing the Malawi Mining Investment Forum, stating that it would enhance the growth of the mining sector in African countries.
The two-day forum brought together delegates responsible for mining from various countries, including South Sudan, Tanzania, and Malawi.