Malawi bans raw mineral exports to save $500m in wealth annually.

The ban affects major mining zones, such as the rutile deposits in Kasiya and the rare-earth sites at Kangankunde.

Malawi’s mineral portfolio, ranging from uranium and bauxite to graphite, coal, and precious gemstones, positions the country as a potential beneficiation hub in southern Africa.

Mutharika, recently re-elected to a fresh term, described the measure as a “cornerstone of economic nationalism” and urged new cabinet members to deliver tangible results.

But while the announcement has stirred national pride, economists caution that success will depend on infrastructure, technology, and enforcement.

Across Africa, similar resource bans have produced mixed results. Zimbabwe’s 2023 lithium export ban spurred smuggling across the Mozambique border, while Tanzania’s 2017 gold restrictions pushed miners into illegal markets, hurting state revenues.