Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) has asked government to lift the export ban on gold and gemstones and formalise artisanal miners to unlock foreign exchange earnings.
Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa told journalists in Lilongwe yesterday that the mining sector has already demonstrated its potential to help ease Malawi’s fuel and forex challenges.
His remarks follow an announcement that the Reserve Bank of Malawi sold some gold purchased from artisanal miners to raise foreign exchange to pay for fuel imports.
Namiwa described the development as a practical step toward addressing persistent fuel shortages driven by limited foreign currency reserves.
“The Minister of Mining and Energy should urgently formalise the artisanal mining sector by organising miners into cooperatives and issuing licences. This can significantly boost gold output,” he said.
He projected that production could exceed 50 kilogrammes (kg) per month, generating annual revenue of about $1.2 billion.
Beyond gold, Namiwa urged the government to review and lift the ban on gemstone exports, noting that Malawi has deposits of at least 26 high-value stones, including rubies and sapphires, which could provide an additional source of forex.
Meanwhile, Malawi Women in Mining president Ashley Simbeye has backed the call, saying formalisation would benefit both government and miners by improving access to structured markets.
Federation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Malawi representative Percy Maleta faulted government for benefiting from artisanal gold while failing to support the miners.
“It is surprising that government is using gold from artisanal miners to cushion fuel challenges, yet it is not supporting them. Authorities should allow a six to 12-month transition period to formalise the sector,” he said.
Cdedi also called for a policy shift towards production and export-oriented sectors, criticising what he described as excessive focus on small-scale trading.
In the short term, Cdedi appealed for the suspension of selected fuel levies and taxes to cushion consumers amid ongoing supply uncertainties.
Malawi continues to face acute foreign exchange shortages, disrupting imports of essential commodities, including fuel, and exerting pressure on the economy.
