Mutharika Appoints First Minister of Mining to Boost Growth

President Arthur Peter Mutharika swore in Thoko Tembo as Malawi's first Minister of Mining during a ceremony at Kamuzu Palace. To prioritize the mining sector as a driver of economic growth, Mutharika split the former Ministry of Energy and Mining into two separate departments. This institutional reshuffle aims to increase state capacity and address long-standing issues regarding opacity and weak enforcement in the sector.

During the appointment, Mutharika emphasized the need for better negotiation of mining agreements, noting that previous high-value deals provided little benefit to citizens because of a lack of technical skills. He pledged to provide the new ministry with expert support to ensure mineral agreements serve the best interests of the Malawian people.

Mutharika also signaled a crackdown on mineral smuggling, labeling those involved as "traitors." He cautioned that foreign investors are "businesses, not charities," underscoring the need for the government to secure fair terms. Tembo accepted the role and committed to leading national negotiations under the president's direction.