Investors from the USA are targeting Malawi’s mineral resources with the launch of the American Chamber of Commerce in Malawi (AmCham) that seeks to strengthen commercial ties.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Melania Arreaga said during the launch of AmCham’s in Blantyre on Tuesday evening that Malawi’s critical minerals could boost America’s supply chains while reducing dependence on adversaries for resources that power economies and security.
“We expect to see growing US investment in Malawi’s mining sector in the years ahead and AmCham will be an important vehicle for connecting American companies to these opportunities,” she said.
Arreaga said American businesses bring professionalism, efficiency, transparency, entrepreneurship and meritocracy while hiring Malawians, developing local talent and reinvesting in host communities.
Nico Holdings plc managing director Vizenge Kumwenda described AmCham as an important platform that will connect Malawi to global markets, particularly the US.
He said the US offers Malawi opportunities as an export market and a source of technology, skills and capital for businesses seeking expansion.
Kumwenda identified tourism, agriculture and newly discovered critical minerals as major opportunities, but warned Malawi must strengthen regulation, governance and investor confidence.
He said: “We are lucky that we have huge deposits that if properly exploited it would make Malawi develop tremendously.
“However, there’s a lot of work. We have to have a proper regulatory system in as far as these critical minerals are concerned. We also need to improve on our governance.”
Kumwenda also called for an effective judicial system to protect investors’ rights, faster court processes and stronger action against corruption to improve the investment climate.
Taking her turn, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer (CEO) Daisy Kambalame said AmCham gives Malawi confidence that investors recognise genuine opportunities and are willing to expand their presence in the country.
She said AmCham could connect Malawian businesses with American capital, skills, experience and technology while Malawians contribute local opportunities and resources.
Kambalame said private sector growth remains essential because businesses create employment, generate tax revenue and support infrastructure development, unlike development aid.
One of the US investors, founder and FCA Corp. CEO Robert Scharar said the chamber would strengthen links through partnerships, service agreements and investment.
He said AmCham would also help US companies identify credible Malawian partners while vetting investors interested in tourism, agriculture, health and education.
Scharar highlighted opportunities in lake tourism, hospitality, training, healthcare services and marketing, while promoting connections among universities, hospitals, nonprofits and private companies.
During the launch Ryan Scharar, former Malawi Ambassador to the US Hawa Ndilowe, lawyer James Masumbu and corporate executives Chifundo Chiundira, Victoria Zigowa and Leonard Chisale were inducted as AmCham trustees.
Malawi’s mining investments are largely associated with firms linked to Australia, Britain and Canadian such as Lotus Resources, Sovereign Metals and Mkango Resources.
Before February 2014 when Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga was put on “care and maintenance”, the mining sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) was at about 10 percent, but since then the share dropped to less than one percent and was recorded at 0.7 percent in 2024, according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report 2025.
Besides Kayelekera Mine, there is progress in other projects such as Kanyika Niobium Mine in Mzimba and Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Balaka while Mkango Resources Limited and Sovereign Metals are securing funding for mine construction and finalising the bankable feasibility study respectively.
