Africa-Press – Malawi. Nico Group is making a strategic move to take the lead in mining development, asserting that Malawians need to claim leadership in developing the sector.
Nico Group Business Development Executive Zizwani Khonje made these remarks in Lilongwe, where the company presented K50 million towards the forthcoming mining investment forum.
He said the company had made a strategic decision to prioritise mining as its main investment sector, recognising its potential to transform the economy in the next decade.
“You will see Nico’s participation and not just participation but some form of leadership going forward. We are working on a financing model for mining exploration, identifying this as one of the gaps, along with low knowledge, affecting local participation,” Khonje said.
Minister of Mining Ken Zikhale Ng’oma blamed low mineral utilisation on inadequate public financing and limited local participation to convert the country’s minerals into tangible wealth.
“Soon, we will be announcing the new direction that we will be taking with the mining sector. The forum will also act as a crucial platform for dialogue and partnership as we work towards a brighter future for Malawi’s mining landscape,” Ng’oma said.
The forum has already attracted at least 20 mining companies who will take part in activities.
Locally, it will bring together financiers, investors, experts, civil society and public officials.
This will be the second forum after the inaugural one last year and, according to the minister, issues of beneficiation, innovation and increased local participation will take centre stage.
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