President Peter Mutharika has dared new Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo to secure better mining deals that will benefit Malawians unlike previous arrangements that he attributed to weak negotiating capacity.
The President said during Tembo’s swearing-in at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe yesterday that mining is key to his administration’s industrialisation and economic transformation drive.
Mutharika, a professor of international law, said previous mining agreements failed to serve Malawi’s interests because government lacked the expertise to negotiate favourable terms with investors.
“For our mining sector to reach its potential, we need to enhance mineral exploration and invest more in skills development, including building capacity to negotiate properly. I’ll make sure that you get experts to assist you in negotiating mineral agreements that are for the benefit of Malawians,” he said.
Mutharika tasked Tembo with ensuring future mining contracts strike a balance between investor returns and national interests, warning that failure to deliver on his mandate would have consequences, including losing his Cabinet position.
Describing mining as a future pillar of the economy, the President also expressed concern over the illegal extraction and smuggling of minerals. He accused organised cartels, aided by some Malawians, of exploiting the country’s mineral wealth.
Tembo pledged to serve Malawians faithfully and ensure future mining agreements benefit the country.
“I am going into that office knowing that I am a servant of Malawians, and ensuring that everything that we are going to do, including negotiating deals, is in the best interest of Malawians,” he said.
The President appointed Tembo as Minister of Mining on May 29 after splitting the former Ministry of Energy and Mining into two, leaving the energy portfolio to Jean Mathanga.
