President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has challenged the new Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, to enhance mineral exploration for the sector to reach its full potential.
President Mutharika said this at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe during the swearing-in ceremony of Tembo as minister on Tuesday.
He said industrialisation stands as a cornerstone of his administration’s development vision since the country is endowed with several high-value minerals.
“Within this pillar, mining occupies a critical role – driving growth, creating jobs, and unlocking the vast potential of our nation’s resources. We have rare earth, niobium, uranium, rutile, gold and graphite,” President Mutharika said.
The Malawi leader added that the country’s mining sector can reach its potential if it embraces mineral exploration and invests more in skills development at all levels.
“I think one of the problems we have had in the past is that we did not have the capacity to negotiate favourable agreements. As a result, many of the agreements were one-sided and brought little or no benefit to Malawi,” he said.
Professor Mutharika also pledged that the Ministry of Mining is supported by experts who can assist in negotiating mineral agreements that are in the best interests of the Malawians.
“We accept that investors must, of course, make a profit. After all, they are business people, not missionaries or charitable organisations. However, we expect Malawi to benefit as well, and that is the mandate I am giving you. Make sure that you remain committed to it,” he added.
Furthermore, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika said he wants the mining ministry to be seriously considered as the country’s future.
He cited past instances when minerals were extracted from the country, some of them illegally.
“We have also seen various cartels from outside the country, some organised and, unfortunately, assisted by our own people. I consider such individuals traitors—people who are willing to sell Malawi for a few pieces of silver. I urge all Malawians involved in such behaviour to stop; otherwise, I will go after you,” said Professor Mutharika.
Previously, the ministry was combined with Energy and Mining, but it has since been split into separate ministries. President Mutharika defended the decision, saying the mining sector requires focused attention and dedicated oversight.
The newly appointed minister said he is committed to serving the nation with humility and dedication.
Before his appointment, Tembo served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.
By Mwai Mtumodzi
