The Government of Malawi has successfully secured a promising mining investment deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), raising hopes for increased revenue that could drive socio-economic development across the country.
Minister of Mining, Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, confirmed the breakthrough in a phone interview from Dubai on Wednesday. He revealed that senior UAE officials will attend the upcoming National Artisan Small Scale Mining Symposium (NASSMS) scheduled for July 14-16, 2025, in Lilongwe.
“This opportunity emerged during a high-level meeting with the UAE government delegation in Abu Dhabi,” Dr. Ng’oma said. He was accompanied by Samuel Sakhuta, Director General of Mining at the Ministry, and Dr. Eyad, a graphite mining investor in Malawi who served as translator.
The minister explained that the discussions clarified Malawi’s mining data and outlined the best approaches to attract Emirati investment through a multinational mining firm, International Resources Company. This company operates under the UAE government’s International Holding Company and has expanded rapidly since its establishment in 2022, managing projects across Africa and Asia.
“We presented strong statistical evidence that convinced the UAE team,” said Ng’oma. “Their delegation leader authorised two senior geologists — Shailender Sinha, Vice President of Exploration, and Ravi Sharma, Chief Operating Officer of International Resources Holdings — to attend NASSMS in Lilongwe.”
The two geologists are expected to meet with experts from Malawi’s Department of Geological Survey to finalise technical details before signing a binding contract with the government.
During the Abu Dhabi meeting, UAE officials also proposed that Malawi adopt an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based digital mining auction system. This innovative system aims to eliminate fake investors and attract only committed mining companies.
The UAE delegation explained how their digital auction platform works, based on their successful national model. The system ensures mineral rights are allocated to companies that value them most, enhancing resource efficiency.
Moreover, the platform attracts international mining companies, boosting foreign investment and bringing expertise to Malawi’s mining sector.
The digital auction system also promises to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and improving livelihoods through more effective resource allocation.
Ali Alrashdi, CEO of International Resources Holdings and leader of the UAE delegation, praised Malawi’s leadership. He acknowledged President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s high-level commitment demonstrated by sending a strong delegation to Abu Dhabi following the visit of His Excellency Abdullah Al Nahyan and His Excellency Shakboot Nahyan Al Nahyan to Malawi on May 6, 2025.
This development signals a positive step towards transforming Malawi’s mining sector into a key driver of national economic growth, leveraging international partnerships and modern technology to unlock the country’s mineral wealth.
