State Seeks Majority Stake in Mining Sector: What This Means for Malawi’s Business Landscape

Key Business Points

• Mamico aims to secure 40% shareholding in all mining ventures to maximize Malawi’s benefits from minerals, requiring significant financing to invest in these ventures.
• Heavy investment is necessary for Malawi to increase benefits from existing minerals, with Mamico planning to explore potential mineral sites and build partnerships with other investors.
• Local participation is crucial for Malawians to benefit more from mining, with Grain Malunga emphasizing that "kugawa kwa chipongwe" (-sharing of benefits) will only be possible if Malawians invest heavily in mine development.

The State-owned Malawi Mining Investment Company (Mamico) has announced its intention to secure at least 40% shareholding in all mining ventures, a move aimed at maximizing the country’s benefits from its mineral resources. According to Mamico CEO Leonard Kalindekafe, this ambitious goal requires heavy financing to enable the company to invest in mining ventures. "Kuziba kwa ma resources" (lack of resources) is a major challenge, and Kalindekafe emphasized that finding ways to raise resources is essential to increase benefits from existing minerals.

Kalindekafe explained that relying solely on the 15% free equity entitled to the government in mining ventures is not sufficient, and that some equity investment is necessary to protect commercial interests in mining development. Mamico plans to be involved in exploring potential mineral sites and building partnerships with other investors to develop mines. This approach is expected to promote "uziranji wa malavi" (Malawi’s self-reliance) in the mining sector.

Grain Malunga, coordinator of the Malawi Chambers of Mines, echoed Kalindekafe’s sentiments, stating that leaving mining investment in the hands of foreign companies limits the benefits that remain in Malawi after minerals are extracted and exported. Malunga faulted Malawians for expecting too much but investing too little in exploration and development, highlighting that "kunyongwa kwa mitengo" (extraction of resources) without adequate investment will not yield significant benefits.

The setting up of Mamico is seen as a potential game-changer if it plays its intended role of protecting the commercial interests of the government in the mining sector. The recent restructuring of the mining sector, including the establishment of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority, is expected to provide a framework for Mamico to operate effectively. While there was no immediate response from the Treasury on its plans for Mamico, the company’s plans to increase local participation in mining ventures are likely to have a significant impact on the sector’s development. As Malawi’s mining sector continues to evolve, "wogwira ntchito" (potential entrepreneurs) and investors will be watching closely to see how Mamico’s plans unfold and how they can participate in the country’s mining ventures.

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