Government intends to establish a Mining and Technology University as a response to the growing mining and technology industries in the country, according to Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kabwira said a university with a special niche in mining and technology, is visionary as there is great potential through mining and technology to propel Malawi towards industrialization and achievement of Malawi 2063 vision.
“Malawi, is endowed with vast and valuable mineral resources, including rutile, uranium, oil, gas, rare earth elements, bauxite, titanium-bearing heavy mineral sands, zircon, niobium, tantalum, graphite, and precious stones. These resources hold the potential to transform our nation’s economy, industrialize our country, and create employment opportunities for our citizens. However, despite this rich endowment, the mining sector has yet to reach its full potential due to a significant skills gap and lack of trained professionals in critical areas such as mining, engineering, mineral processing, environmental management, resource governance, and negotiation.
“Currently, one of the biggest gaps in our mining sector is the overreliance on expatriate professionals. At present, critical roles in exploration, mine planning, engineering, and mineral processing are dominated by foreign experts. This dependence drives up operational costs for mining companies and, more importantly, limits the transfer of knowledge and technology to our local workforce. A dedicated Mining and Technology University would equip Malawians with the expertise needed to take on these high-skill roles, ensuring that our mineral wealth benefits our people first.
“Another pressing issue is the lack of advanced laboratories and testing facilities in our country. Currently, mining companies are forced to send mineral samples to South Africa, Australia, and Europe for analysis an expensive process that results in millions of dollars in foreign exchange outflows each year. By establishing a Mining and Technology University, we can develop state-of-the-art research and testing facilities right here in Malawi, keeping our financial resources within our borders and strengthening our economic resilience,” she said
Kabwira further said that despite Malaw being home to a vibrant and growing youth population, the mining sector has failed to absorb this human capital.
“The reason being a mismatch between industrial needs and the skills available in our workforce. But the Malawi 2063 clearly stipulates that: A youthful population in Malawi makes its people the greatest source of wealth (MW2063 p.35).
“In line with the aspirations of Malawi 2063, a specialized university in mining and technology would bridge the gap between industrial needs and skills available in our workforce by providing hands-on training and producing graduates who are ready to contribute immediately to the mining industry. This would not only reduce youth unemployment but also unlock the potential of thousands of young Malawians eager to build careers in mining and technology.
“Remember, the purpose of our meeting today is to engage with our key stakeholders in higher education sub-sector, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academia. In fact, it is important to engage at this stage to ensure that the new university is aligned with national development goals and meets the specific needs of the mining and technology sectors,” she said
