Malawi Mining Company newly appointed chief executive officer Leonard Kalindekafe says outstanding governance issues need urgent attention to unlock the mining sector’s actual potential.
He said in an interview on Thursday that the issues include effective policy and regulatory framework, petroleum policy, geological database, introduction of mining-related courses and provision of supporting infrastructure for the sector.
Kalindekafe, a seasoned geologist, called for the enactment of a policy and legislative framework to attract more investors in the minng sector.
He said: “Petroleum Policy is being finalised and the petroleum legislation is being reviewed and this needs to be fast-tracked.
“There is a need to falicitate the introduction of mining-related courses at institutions of higher learning. Also critical is the provision of support towards infrastructure development to facilitate access road construction and enhancing energy generation.”
Kalindekafe also said there is need to facilitate the rehabilitation and re-equipping of mineral laboratories to enhance mineral research, exploration and mining.
Minister of Mining Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said in an interview on Friday when closing the mining lab that there is need to involve all players to find solutions affecting the mining sector.
“We do not want to be making decisions from our perspective, but from the owners of the mining industry and whatever agreements have been made, we will be able to build on the policy that we are about to review,” he said.
In a separate interview, Presidential Delivery Lab head Janet Banda acknowledged the issues, saying the lab and the stakeholders will develop a roadmap to address the issues.
She said the roadmaps and milestones will be developed to ensure clear follow-ups by all stakeholders.
Said Banda: “We are failing to take off due to a number of reasons. The main one is quality infrastructure. We are talking about road conditions and energy access, those are the things that we need to work on as a country.
“The other key issue is policy, legal and regulatory framework, which we need also to look at seriously because there are certain things that we can do better through regulation to facilitate operations in this industry.”
Ministry of Mining data shows that Malawi has numerous heavy minerals and other precious stones that can earn the mining sector in excess of $30 billion (K52.5 trillion) in 10 years.
The country’s mining sector contributes about one percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report 2025.
But the report says to fully unlock its potential, further policy reforms are necessary, including streamlining the legal and regulatory framework, optimising administrative procedures, enhancing oversight capabilities and fostering local participation.
