Statement by the Secretary-General on Malawi’s Mining Future and Africa’s Critical Minerals Moment

Malawi stands at a defining moment in its mining journey. Through courage, patience, policy continuity and strategic investment, Malawi can transform its mineral potential into industrial growth, jobs, skills and long-term national prosperity.

01. Malawi Must Not Stand on the Sidelines

The global economy is being reshaped by critical minerals, green technologies, digital systems and energy security. Whoever controls critical minerals will help shape the industries and economies of the future.

Africa, and Malawi in particular, must not stand on the sidelines. The continent must act strategically, speak with a unified voice and position itself as a global player and shaper of the critical minerals agenda.

02. The Courage of the Hummingbird

The story of the hummingbird reminds us that transformation begins with consistent action. Each policy, each investment, each mine developed, each geologist trained and each community empowered is a single drop toward national transformation.

Malawi may not be the largest economy, but it carries the determination of a nation that refuses to give up. Its mining future will be built through persistence, discipline and collective purpose.

03. Strategic Continuity Builds Confidence

Mining transformation requires patience. From exploration to production, mining projects often take years before reaching maturity and delivering sustainable returns.

For this reason, Malawi’s policy direction must be protected, nurtured and allowed time to produce results. Consistency builds investor confidence, unlocks investment and transforms vision into prosperity.

04. Exploration is the Foundation of Prosperity

A nation cannot mine what it has not discovered. Geological exploration and mapping are the starting point for attracting serious investment, building strong value chains and creating lasting economic transformation.

Exploration is not a cost. It is an investment in future prosperity, industrialisation and national development.

05. Building Africa’s Mining Workforce

Africa’s youthful population must become a demographic dividend. As mining investment expands, the continent must also invest in technical and vocational skills for future mining, energy, green and digital economy jobs.

A modern African mining workforce will be essential to ensuring that mineral development creates opportunity for young people and strengthens the continent’s industrial future.

06. A Unified African Approach

Malawi’s aspirations are connected to Africa’s destiny. The continent must forge a unified African approach to critical minerals development, speak with one voice and negotiate from a position of strength.

Africa is stronger, more respected and more prosperous when it works together with a common agenda and a common voice.

07. Closing Message

The world is changing rapidly and irreversibly. Malawi must lead by embracing innovation, investing in mineral exploration, building local capacity, empowering youth and maintaining strategic continuity.

The turtle teaches strategy. The hummingbird teaches persistence. Malawi teaches courage, unity and consistency.

Zikutheka — It is possible.