‘President Mutharika Bans Export Of Raw Minerals To Boost Malawi’s Mining Revenue’ 23 October 2025

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has announced a ban on the export of raw minerals, signaling a major policy shift in the country’s approach to mineral resource management. The President said the decision is aimed at ensuring that Malawi fully benefits from its mineral wealth by processing minerals locally instead of exporting them in raw form. Mutharika stated that the country could earn up to $500 million annually if mining operations at the Kasiya rutile site in Lilongwe and the Kangankunde rare earth site in Balaka are properly developed and managed. He described the current system—where minerals are extracted and exported without local value addition—as a major loss to the national economy, depriving Malawians of jobs and government of much-needed revenue. Speaking during a press briefing at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Mutharika emphasized that the government will now prioritize local beneficiation, mineral value addition, and downstream processing as key pillars of its mining policy.

He said Malawi can no longer afford to continue exporting raw minerals while importing finished products made from the same materials at high cost. “This practice has been undermining our industrial growth and keeping our people in poverty,” Mutharika said. “We must add value to our minerals right here in Malawi, create jobs, and keep the profits within our borders.” The President revealed that his administration will soon establish a National Mining Corporation to oversee mineral production, processing, and export to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector. He added that Malawi must build strategic partnerships with credible international investors who can help develop local capacity while respecting the country’s resource sovereignty.

… Civil society organizations have welcomed the announcement but called for strict oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and exploitation in the sector. They emphasized that mineral wealth should directly benefit Malawians through improved public services, infrastructure, and job creation rather than enriching a few individuals or companies. President Mutharika’s directive marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s quest to transform its natural resources into a driver of sustainable economic growth and industrialization. As the country moves to implement the export ban, the spotlight now turns to how effectively the government will translate this vision into action and ensure that Malawi’s mineral wealth truly works for its people.