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Business, Malawi

“Why Malawi is grappling with forex in plenty of minerals?-Queries CDEDI

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under banner Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is questioning authorities as to why Malawi is grappling with forex challenges amid plenty of minerals deposits which could address the crisis.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa told the news conference on Friday, in the capital Lilongwe that its sad that Malawi is forex crisis for year while minerals deposits remain un developed.

Namiwa says, “We call on all well-meaning Malawians to engage in an open and candid national debate on the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s (RBM) decision to allow the country sit on substantial gold reserves in their coffers amid a persistent
foreign exchange crisis.

“Currently, almost all forex generated from different initiatives is spent on fuel procurement and logistical arrangements to bring it into the country”.

He observes, “Apart from gold, Malawi is also sitting on the largest, if not the second-largest rutile deposits in the world, in Kasiya, Lilongwe; 26 types of gemstones that include rubies, diamonds and sapphies, with Chimwadzulu mine in Ntcheu having the largest deposits in Africa.

“Then there is uranium at Kayelekera in Karonga, niobium at Kanyika in Mzimba, and rare earths in Phalombe and Balaka”.

Namiwa notes, “It is important to state that RBM, through its subsidiary Export Development Fund (EDF), commenced buying of gold in 2021 and two years later, gemstones. According to the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), in 2024 EDF procured 131,283.70 grammes of smelted gold while in 2025, it purchased 245,106.52 grammes, translating into a total of 376,390.22 grammes.

“This gold was procured from Machinga, Blantyre, Mchinji, Nsanje, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Mzimba, Dedza and other districts”.

He added, “CDEDI invoked the Access to Information Act, demanding EDF to, among other things, make public disclosures on the suppliers’ list, total investment and profit made so far from both gold and gemstone, and also account for the alleged 70 kilogrammes of counterfeit gold bought in the course of the business.

“We also feels duty-bound to inform the nation that, according to a recent communication from MMRA, government is yet to issue a mining licence for the Sovereign Metals’ Kasiya Rutile Project”.

CDEDI observes further, “It is important to state that the Malawi Government, in September 2020, issued and eight-year exploration licence to Sovereign Services Limited, which will expire in 2028, two years from now”

CDEDI however challenging the Ministry of Mining and Energy to address the nation over allegations that it has unleashed terror on over one million jobless Malawians earning a living through artisan mining across the country.

The grouping adds, “CDEDI does not condone lawlessness, we have received reports of injuries, arrests, torture and seizure of minerals and destruction of property, including burning a hand-mining equipment in an operation dubbed ‘Teteza mgodi’ in which the Malawi Defence Force was involved.

“The allegations are compound by the fact that authorities and the Ministry did not care to inform the nation, let alone, alert or constructively engage the
concerned citizens, whose only crime was to get something for survival”.

Namiwa says, “We remind both the MDF and the Ministry that a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law, therefore, they should tread carefully in the; otherwise, well-intentioned exercise.

“The above development brings to light lack of transparency and accountability, structural challenges and system failures that, unfortunately, work to the advantage of very few politically-connected individuals, with their foreign nationals and naturalised Malawians proxies, leaving out Malawians in destitute”.

The grouing appeals to authorities to intervene by engaging in a dialogue with the affected communities, through their leadership, to chart the way forward amicably.

CDEDI therefore demands immediate revocation of all quarry mining licences granted to Chinese nationals, and all exploration licences
exceeding three years.

Business

Courier industry in Malawi faces forex shortage and illegal operators

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The courier industry in Malawi is facing significant challenges, including a shortage of foreign exchange (Forex) and the presence of illegal operators, according to Lewis McJessie, President of the Courier Association of Malawi.

McJessie made these remarks during the commemoration of World Post Day in Mwanza, where the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) handed over an ICT Lab to the district council.

The Forex shortage is affecting the industry’s ability to operate efficiently, McJessie explained.

“The shortage of Forex is a major challenge for us, as it affects our ability to import necessary equipment and pay for international services,” he said.

The presence of illegal operators is also a significant concern for the industry.

“These operators are not registered and do not follow the same rules and regulations as licensed operators,” McJessie said. “This creates an unfair competitive environment and can also compromise the security and integrity of the services provided,” he complained.

In a related development, the Malawi Post Corporation has taken steps to enhance the security of its services.

Postmaster General Angel Banda announced that the corporation has installed cameras in its offices, buses, and vehicles to ensure the security of customers’ property.

The commemoration of World Post Day in Mwanza also saw MACRA hand over an ICT Lab to the district council.

The lab is expected to enhance digital skills in the district and provide access to information and communication technologies.

Senior Chief Kanduku and Parliamentarian for Mwanza Central Constituency Nicolas Dausi commended MACRA for the ICT lab, saying it would have a positive impact on the district.

“The ICT lab will provide our youth with the skills they need to compete in the digital economy,” Senior Chief Kanduku said,adding that, “We are grateful to MACRA for this initiative.”

Nicolas Dausi added that the lab would also provide access to information and communication technologies, which is essential for economic development.

“The ICT lab is a welcome development for our district,” Dausi said. “It will provide our people with the tools they need to access information and communicate with the rest of the world.”

The courier industry in Malawi is facing significant challenges, including a shortage of Forex and the presence of illegal operators. However, with initiatives such as the ICT lab provided by MACRA, there is hope for the future.

The industry is expected to continue playing a critical role in the country’s economic development, and it is essential that the challenges facing it are addressed.

Challenges Facing the Courier Industry in Malawi

  • Shortage of Forex: The shortage of Forex is affecting the industry’s ability to operate efficiently, making it difficult to import necessary equipment and pay for international services.
  • Presence of Illegal Operators: The presence of illegal operators is creating an unfair competitive environment and compromising the security and integrity of the services provided.

Initiatives to Enhance the Industry

  • ICT Lab: MACRA has provided an ICT lab to the district council in Mwanza, which is expected to enhance digital skills in the district and provide access to information and communication technologies.
  • Security Measures: The Malawi Post Corporation has installed cameras in its offices, buses, and vehicles to ensure the security of customers’ property.