Malawi's mining sector is poised for a major transformation, with the potential to generate up to US$30 billion in mineral exports between 2026 and 2040. According to the World Bank, annual revenues are projected to hit US$3 billion by 2034, with mining contributing 12% of the country's GDP by 2027. This remarkable growth aligns with President Lazarus Chakwera's Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, a blueprint designed to attract investment and stimulate economic expansion.

As global interest in Malawi's rich mineral resources surges, the upcoming African Mining Week in Cape Town will serve as a strategic platform to connect Malawian stakeholders, regulators, and international investors. This engagement is expected to accelerate funding inflows, strengthen partnerships, and boost large-scale mining operations.

Mining Sector Milestones in 2025

Under the ATM Strategy, Malawi has seen significant industry growth in 2025, with global mining firms expanding exploration and production activities. Among the key projects:

Kayelekera Uranium Project - Australian company Lotus Resources secured US$38.5 million from South Africa's First Capital Bank and Standard Bank to support operational readiness and equipment procurement. With uranium demand on the rise, Malawi is positioning itself as a competitive supplier ahead of Kayelekera's planned Q3 2025 production launch.

Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project - Backed by Rio Tinto, Sovereign Metals is fast-tracking what is now the world's largest known rutile resource and second-largest flake graphite reserve. A recent feasibility study estimated the project's revenue potential at US$16.4 billion, while US$665 million has been allocated for development. As global industries seek sustainable sources of these critical minerals, Kasiya is set to become a major revenue generator for Malawi.

Kangankunde Rare Earths Project - Australian firm Lindian Resources has awarded a US$1.3 million contract to Mota-Engil for infrastructure development and civil works. The project strengthens Malawi's role in the rare earth supply chain, catering to high-tech, clean energy, and defense applications.

Wozi Niobium Project - A joint venture between Kula Gold and African Rare Metals aims to fast-track exploration, with a US$100,000 drilling program set for Q2 2025. Given niobium's importance in steel production, this project is expected to bring substantial foreign exchange earnings to Malawi.

A Strategic Mining Future

Malawi's ATM Strategy is proving instrumental in unlocking the country's mineral wealth, attracting billions in investment, and positioning the nation as a global hub for critical minerals. With African Mining Week set to showcase these achievements, the world is taking notice of Malawi's mining potential under Chakwera's economic blueprint.

As the demand for uranium, graphite, niobium, and rare earths continues to grow, Malawi's mining sector stands at the forefront of Africa's resource-driven economic transformation.

Source: Nyasatimes

The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), in collaboration with the Malawi Value Chains (MVC) project funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), held a stakeholder information-sharing session on Macadamia and Mango value chains. The meeting took place at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Monday, 10th March 2025.

In his remarks, MITC Director General Kriger Phiri stated that inadequate information about investment opportunities in the two crops has discouraged many potential investors, including Malawians, from engaging in these industries. He emphasized that these information sessions aim to bridge that knowledge gap. He was particularly encouraged by the growing interest among Malawians in macadamia nut production, despite the seven-year period required before the first harvest. Additionally, he highlighted the need for value addition in the country’s mango production to maximize its economic potential.

Speaking at the event, Malawi Value Chains Project Team Leader William Mwanza shared insights from the project’s research, indicating that macadamia and mango exports have the potential to generate a combined annual revenue of US$80 million. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the available matching grants, which range from £15,000 (approximately MK33 million) to £100,000 (approximately MK230 million), to support their agricultural ventures.

Presentations were delivered by representatives from MITC, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the Malawi Bureau of Standards, and the Export Development Bank. The session brought together participants from the private sector involved in the macadamia and mango value chains, the insurance industry, and government officials from key ministries, including the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Trade.

A similar information-sharing session was held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on Thursday, 13th March 2025.

Source: MITC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has long championed economic integration and industrial development as key drivers for sustainable growth in its Member States. In this context, the SADC AfCFTA Coordination Plan Validation Workshop, held on 4-6 March 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This workshop brought together key stakeholders from across the region to validate the SADC AfCFTA Coordination Plan and strategise on its effective implementation. 

With support from the German Development Cooperation, through the GIZ Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE) programme, alongside funding from the European Union through the EU Technical Assistance Facility (EU-TAF), the workshop provided a platform for policy makers, the private sector and development partners to align efforts towards ensuring that SADC maximises the benefits of the AfCFTA. 

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Chairperson of the SADC Business Council, Mrs Sekai Kuwarika, it was highlighted that Council’s partnership with the SADC Secretariat, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2023, provides the basis of collaboration “on infrastructure development, industrial growth and human capital enhancement in the region. This partnership underscores the critical role that businesses play in shaping policies and driving economic initiatives”.

On behalf of H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr Rongai Chizema - AfCFTA Implementation and Coordination Expert, congratulated the SADC Secretariat for initiating the process to develop a regional strategy to enhance implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. He further underscored the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play in driving the implementation of the AfCFTA and facilitating cross-border trade and economic development across the continent.  

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe, represented by Mr Bernard De Schrevel, Team Leader, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting economic integration efforts in Africa through the provision of technical assistance and financial support through the Team Europe Initiative. 

In his remarks, Mr Malcolm McKinnon, Principal Trade Advisor at the SADC Secretariat, pointed out that the region’s strategic frameworks, including the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), emphasise industrialisation, private sector development and enhanced connectivity as pillars of sustained growth. Thus, ensuring a coordinated approach will facilitate the progressive harmonisation of trade policies, enhance supply chain integration, and strengthen infrastructure development to support the private sector and industrial competitiveness. This was augmented by the representative from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who pointed out that “the overall objective is clear: to facilitate the effective and coordinated implementation of the AfCFTA across the SADC Member States”.

A major part of the discussions in the three-day workshop revolved around the key implementation pillars, which are: Capacity Development, Private Sector Development, Industrial Development, Access to Finance, Resource Mobilisation, Infrastructure Development, Women and Youth Economic Empowerment and the Coordination Mechanisms. Stakeholders emphasised the need for strong public-private partnerships, improved and innovative financing strategies and the need to avoid duplication with existing programmes and processes in the execution of these pillars.  Given its role of representing the private sector, the SADC Business Council should play a leading role to drive business engagement, enhance private sector participation in the AfCFTA and ensure that policies are tailored to address real market needs. 

Participants also stressed that close collaboration between the SADC and AfCFTA Secretariats is essential for aligning regional trade strategies with continental objectives, ensuring a seamless transition into the AfCFTA framework. The relationship between the AfCFTA and the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement, which came into force in July 2024, was also discussed.

The Coordination Plan reaffirms SADC’s commitment to economic integration, industrialisation and inclusive growth. With a clear roadmap, SADC is poised to maximise the AfCFTA benefits. The validated Plan will now be submitted to the SADC structures for endorsement and pave the way for implementation. 

Source: SADC News