Gemstone exporters call for swift lift of ban on mineral exports

Gemstone miners, who are artisanal small-scale miners, have given authorities at the Capital Hill up to Tuesday this week to lift the ban on mineral exports.

Chairlady for the concerned mineral exporters, Annie Kamanga, said they are strongly opposed to the ongoing ban on mineral exports, which the Ministry of Trade and Industry imposed on February 12, 2025.

“We request the ministry to lift the ban immediately and engage with stakeholders to develop better solutions. Failure to do so will force us to take alternative measures to protect our livelihoods. A response is needed by Tuesday next week,” said Kamanga.

However, the exporters did not disclose the action they intend to take if the government does not heed their call.

Throughout the press conference, the visibly concerned Kamanga and her fellow exporters, while addressing journalists at Maula Parish in Lilongwe on Sunday afternoon, lamented that the ban, whose initial timeframe was 21-day timeframe, but has gone up to over 40 days, has caused huge financial losses, disrupted supply chains, halted contracts, leading to loss of revenue.

“The ban has led to increased mineral smuggling. This can be very difficult to control and is harming the economy. Export-related fees and taxes are no longer being collected,” she explained.

She further stated that the ban has resulted in job losses for some while local miners and traders have lost their income, contributing to increased poverty levels in rural areas.

Kamanga warned that the country would not generate adequate foreign exchange because the ban has reduced the country’s ability to earn foreign exchange thereby weakening the domestic economy.

Prior to the press briefing, the mineral exporters wrote the Minister of Mining, requesting for an audience to discuss issues that might have prompted the imposition of the ban.

They reminded the minister about the crucial role they play and the huge contributions they are making to Malawi’s economy through creation of jobs, generation of revenue and the much-needed forex, and stimulating economic growth.

“It is very sad that instead of promoting the few who export officially, your ministry is frustrating them instead of engaging with them to find sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. The way your ministry is handling this issue, we assume that the government takes the country’s ASMs as second-class citizens.

“We understand the ministry’s intention to streamline export procedures and enhance regulatory frameworks. However, we strongly believe that this goal can be achieved through collaboration and consultation with industry stakeholders, rather than imposing a blanket ban that has created many inconveniences and panic to us, the key players of the industry,” reads the letter addressed to Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, who is the Minister of Mining.

But Ng’oma has not yet responded to the letter, over 30 days after it was sent to her office.