By Our Correspondent
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Malawi’s mining sector is poised for transformation, and its mines Minister, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, is leading the charge at the prestigious African Mining Indaba 2025.
With global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers gathered under the theme “Building a Unified African Mining Value Chain: Enhancing Best Practice,” Malawi is making a bold statement—it is open for business and ready to become a leading supplier of critical minerals for the global energy transition.
Recent projections from the World Bank’s 2025 Malawi Economic Monitor Report estimate that Malawi’s minerals exports could reach $30 billion by 2040 —or $43 billion in an accelerated growth scenario.
With eight high-potential projects in the pipeline, including the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, Kasiya Rutile Project, and Songwe Hills Rare Earth Elements Project, Malawi is on track to diversify its economy, create jobs, and attract major foreign direct investment (FDI).
“This is a defining moment for Malawi,” said Hon. Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma from Cape Town. “Our mining sector is no longer an untapped resource; it is the next frontier for economic growth. We are here at the African Mining Indaba to engage with global investors, learn from industry best practices, and position Malawi as a reliable supplier of critical minerals in the global energy transition.”
Malawi’s mining agenda is fully aligned with President Lazarus Chakwera’s “Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy”, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond agriculture. The government is actively streamlining mining regulations, strengthening resource governance, and fast-tracking high-impact projects.
“The world is moving towards green energy, and Malawi is strategically positioned to supply essential minerals for this transition,” Hon. Ng’oma emphasised. “With our rich deposits of uranium, graphite, rare earth elements, and titanium, we have what the world needs. Our goal is to ensure that Malawi’s minerals not only generate exports but also drive local value addition and beneficiation.”
At the Ministerial Symposium, Hon. Ng’oma engaged key stakeholders on improving permit issuance, resource stewardship, and downstream value addition —critical areas that will enhance investor confidence and maximise national benefits.
More from Africa News 24
Aircraft carrying Malawi vice-president goes missing
“To realise our full potential, we are working to reduce lead times for project approvals, improve infrastructure, and establish a predictable regulatory environment,” he said. “Malawi is taking bold steps to ensure that our mining sector contributes at least 10% of GDP by 2063, in line with our MW2063 Vision.”
Malawi’s revamped mining strategy is already attracting global interest, with major companies exploring partnerships in energy transition minerals (ETMs). The government is also developing an Energy Transition Minerals Roadmap to guide sustainable mining development, ensuring that mineral wealth benefits all Malawians.
“The message from Malawi is clear,” Hon. Ng’oma concluded. “We are ready to do business. We are ready to grow. And we are ready to power the future.”
With strong leadership, a clear vision, and increasing global demand for critical minerals, Malawi’s mining sector is on the brink of historic growth —a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the nation’s economic landscape.
