By Santos Zefania
Malawi will participate in the African Mining Indaba 2026 in partnership with First Capital Bank, a move the government says is aimed at strengthening efforts to attract investment into the mining sector and promote sustainable mineral development.
According to a joint press statement released on Thursday and signed by Andrew Chisamba, Director of Administration in the Office of the Secretary for Energy and Mining, the high-level mining conference, scheduled for February 9 to 12, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, will offer Malawi a strategic platform to present its mineral potential to global investors.
The ministry said Malawi’s engagement at the Indaba will focus on promoting investment opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing sustainable mining practices aligned with national development priorities.
“The Ministry of Energy and Mining views the Indaba as a strategic opportunity for Malawi to engage potential investors and position the country as an emerging destination for responsible and sustainable mining investment,” reads the statement.
The statement further noted that Malawi’s participation will contribute to continental and global discussions on critical minerals, which are increasingly vital to the energy transition and the development of renewable energy technologies.
“This engagement forms part of Malawi’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, enhance mineral value addition, and support sustainable economic growth,” Chisamba said.
First Capital Bank, which is partnering govTernment for the event, described the collaboration as a demonstration of its commitment to national development through private sector involvement.
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mining reflects our commitment to enabling investment, trade, and economic growth across key sectors of the economy, including mining,” said Agnes Jaza, Chief Executive Officer for First Capital Bank Malawi.
She added that the bank believes the mining sector holds significant potential to contribute to Malawi’s economic transformation if supported by sound policies and targeted investments.
The African Mining Indaba is one of the continent’s premier mining investment forums, bringing together governments, mining companies, financiers, and development partners from across the globe.
Malawi’s participation comes at a time when government is intensifying efforts to position mining as a key pillar of economic growth, alongside agriculture and tourism, under the country’s long-term development agenda.
In recent years, the Ministry of Energy and Mining has undertaken regulatory reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening governance, and promoting responsible mining to attract both local and foreign investors.
The government has identified minerals such as rare earth elements, graphite, uranium, and bauxite as strategic resources with the potential to boost export earnings, create employment, and support industrial development.
The 2026 African Mining Indaba is expected to enhance Malawi’s visibility on the global mining stage and support long-term sustainable development through increased investment and strategic partnerships.
