14/07/2026
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has challenged Minister of Mining, Honorable Thoko Tembo, to step up negotiations when sealing mining deals, calling it the only way the mining sector will reach its full potential and drive the country’s economic growth.
The President made these remarks today at Kamuzu Palace during the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Tembo, who was appointed to the portfolio after the President split the Ministry of Energy and Mining into two standalone entities.
President Mutharika emphasized that Malawi must invest heavily in skills development and capacity building, noting that the nation's historical inability to negotiate high-stakes agreements has previously resulted in one-sided deals with little to no benefit for Malawians.
"I will ensure that your ministry is supported by experts who can assist in negotiating mineral agreements that are in the best interests of the Malawian people," the President assured.
While acknowledging that investors need to make returns, the President reminded the new Minister that national interests must come first. He noted that while investors are businesspeople rather than charitable organizations, Malawi must still benefit from its resources.
President Mutharika also issued a scathing warning to individuals and cartels involved in the illegal smuggling of Malawi’s mineral wealth, labeling them as traitors willing to sell the country for a few pieces of silver and vowed to go after them.
In response, Hon. Tembo committed to following the President's direction and accepted the challenge of leading the negotiations to ensure Malawi moves forward.
