The seminar brought together mining experts, academicians, and students from various institutions, including the University of Malawi (UNIMA), the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), to share experiences and insights on advancing the mining sector in Malawi and beyond.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Yoshitaka Hosoi from JICA said the foundation of a successful mining industry lies in the discovery of mineral resources. He said that for investors to take interest in Malawi’s mining sector, the first step should be to identify and understand the occurrence of mineral deposits through extensive and thorough exploration.

“To attract investors, we must first discover resources, without resources, no one will come in,” Hosoi said.

Hosoi further highlighted the need for clear regulatory frameworks and robust governance systems to ensure effective management of the mining industry. He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s mining sector through capacity-building initiatives, technological development, and human resource training programmes.

Representing the MUBAS Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the School of Engineering, Associate Professor Burnet Mkandawire described the seminar as a vital platform for learning and collaboration.

“Engagements like this one provide significant learning points not only for us as a university but for the nation as a whole, we have learnt that for a mining sector to advance and truly benefit its people, there is a need to strengthen policies and regulations, address issues of corruption and control, and focus on value addition,” Mkandawire said.

He further added that Malawi often misses out on economic opportunities by exporting unprocessed minerals, stressing that processing and adding value locally would help the country gain more from its natural resources.

Apart from training mining experts, MUBAS has also ventured into limestone mining and will set up a lime manufacturing factory in Balaka soon.