Johnson Progress.

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has announced a sweeping ban on the export of raw minerals, a move aimed at capturing up to $500 million annually through domestic beneficiation.

The ban, which took immediate effect, targets key mining sites including rutile deposits at Kasiya in Lilongwe and rare earths at Kangankunde in Balaka.

According to President Mutharika, the decision is part of a broader strategy to promote local processing and industrial growth.

“I will not allow exportation of raw materials from our mines,” Mutharika declared during a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.

“Raw materials have to be processed here. We must stop exporting opportunity and start building industries,” he said.

The ban is expected to generate significant revenue for the country, with government officials citing potential earnings of up to $500 million annually from the Kasiya and Kangankunde sites alone.

Malawi possesses significant mineral resources, including uranium, bauxite, graphite, coal, and precious gemstones like rubies and sapphires.

While the announcement has sparked patriotic applause, analysts warn that the move could backfire if not backed by robust enforcement and infrastructure.

“The policy’s promise capturing hundreds of millions in added value depends on translating high-level intent into operational realities,” said a report by MiningFocus Africa.

The ban is part of a growing trend in Africa towards value addition, with countries seeking to maximize the benefits of their natural resources.

However, experts caution that success will depend on infrastructure, technology, and enforcement.

“If properly managed, Malawi’s export ban could anchor a shift towards domestic value addition that supports employment and broader rural economic growth,” noted MiningFocus Africa.

The move has been praised by some, including Zimbabwean investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who described it as “absolutely the right thing to do.”

However, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the mining industry and the need for careful implementation.