President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says he wants to ensure transparency and fairness in the exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
Speaking during the launch of the country’s first Mining Investment Forum in Lilongwe on Tuesday, President Chakwera said Malawi’s economic status has a higher chance of improving, provided there is necessary infrastructure, protection of mineral reserves and and safeguarding against exploitation through unfair mining contracts.
The President also said the government is commitment to enhancing agriculture, tourism and mining industries by eliminating obstacles that impede their development and the the initiation of the ATM (Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining) Promotion Week is meant to address barriers hindering the growth of the sectors in Malawi.
Among key speakers at the forum are Secretary General for the Africa Minerals Strategy Group and South Sudan’s Minister of Mining, Martin Gama Abucha.
As of 2020, the mining industry has been contributing about 1 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and government intends to scale it up to 10 percent by 2030.
