Malawi’s gemstone exporters have called on the government to lift a crippling and “reckless” ban on mineral exports, warning of possible consequences if their calls are ignored.
At a press briefing in Lilongwe on Sunday, Annie Kamanga, the head of the affected exporters, gave authorities a deadline. “The Ministry of Trade and Industry has until Tuesday to lift this punitive ban, otherwise we will be forced to take action,” she said. While Kamanga did not specify what action might follow, her comments hinted at growing frustration in the sector.
The ban, originally scheduled to last 21 days on February 12, has now lasted more than 40 days and has caused significant economic disruption. Exporters are reporting contract cancellations, increased mineral smuggling and increasing poverty in rural areas.
“The government is directly fuelling the illegal trade and pushing thousands of miners into deeper financial distress,” Kamanga said, accusing authorities of failing to engage with industry stakeholders.
The Ban Weakens One of Malawi’s Few Sources
The exporters criticised the Minister of Mining, Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, for ignoring their concerns and said his continued silence was fuelling tensions. In a formal letter to the minister, they warned that the ban was weakening one of Malawi’s few sources of foreign exchange.
The group called for cooperation rather than restrictive measures, insisting that proper dialogue could address regulatory concerns without harming the sector. “This decision is reckless and economically disastrous. If the authorities think we will stand by while our livelihoods are destroyed, they are mistaken,” Kamanga said.
As Tuesday’s deadline approaches, tensions between the government and gemstone exporters continue to rise, setting the stage for a potential clash if their demands are not met.