Engaging the delegates of Africa Downunder in Perth, Republic of Malawi Minister of Mining, the Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno said the country benefited from strong political will to develop their mining sector as a priority to compete with their better-known neighbours.
Minister Chang’anamuno said under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Malawi had classified the development of the country’s mining sector as a priority, alongside agriculture and tourism.
“The country also exercises good governance and has a supportive mining investment legal framework, and a long history of political and social stability,” Minister Chang’anamuno said.
The Malawi Government has also been focused on upskilling its workforce through training institutions to best position their population to take advantage of mining related opportunities.
“Plans are in place to improve road and rail infrastructure, and we have accurate scientific information regarding geology and mineral occurrences, which is instrumental in making investment decisions. Our strategic partnerships and international relations are also robust to unlock business.
“So, we have a railway that is coming from Nacala into Malawi, the southern part and central part, and we are also making plans to have this railway go up north.
“Right now, a lot has already happened. The railway was abandoned, now it has been rehabilitated and we have started using it to transport fuel, which is a milestone for us.”
Republic of Malawi Minister of Mining, the Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno.
Promising resource projects
At the moment, Malawi has 13 promising resources projects under evaluation in the country, with seven of those being explored by Australian companies.
Minister Chang’anamuno said this was exciting to have Australian companies doing work in Malawi, and the relationship was highly valued, as it represented the strongest interest of any country in Malawi.
“As a country we know mining is capital intensive and for you to come in and exploit our minerals you really need a lot of funds.
“Because of that, we like to make your work easier and therefore there are a lot of incentives that we are giving to mining investors, including security of tenure.
“The opportunities are aplenty for you to come in and invest in Malawi – while you are investing in other countries don’t pass us by.
“Those who are in Tanzania, we are just next to you; those of you in Zambia, we are just there; those of you in Mozambique, we are just there – everything you are finding in these other countries is also in Malawi.”