12 hours Ago By Chisomo Phiri
By Chisomo PhiriBLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As the Malawi Mining Investment Forum concludes its second and final day in Lilongwe, Yamikani Jimusole, Malawi’s only GIA-accredited gemologist and founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yami Gemstone Lab & Exports, has welcomed the government’s strong policy direction—but warned that continued exclusion of local experts undermines progress in the sector.Jimusole, whose company is pioneering gemstone research, exploration, and mining in the country, expressed concern that he was not even invited to the forum despite being one of the few accredited gemologists in Africa and the only one certified by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) operating in Malawi.“This omission speaks volumes.
It sends a message that even as we talk about beneficiation, transparency, and value addition, the Ministry still does not recognize the need for accredited expertise,”he said.During the forum, Minister of Mining Dr. Zikhale Ng’oma disclosed that since 2023, the Export Development Fund (EDF) has purchased approximately 150,000 carats of gemstones — rubies, sapphires, aquamarine, rhodolite garnets, and tourmaline — at a cost of MK1.
5 billion.He also revealed that the sector could benefit from the establishment of an investment bank targeting artisanal and small-scale miners to accelerate inclusive economic growth.However, the Minister avoided addressing the critical issue of the gemstone export ban imposed in February 2025 — a ban that has severely affected the livelihoods of small-scale miners and traders.
Ng’oma did acknowledge that one reason Malawi’s mining sector lags behind is the Ministry’s tendency to sideline experts.“We cannot develop this industry while ignoring trained professionals. “Gemologists and other specialists must be part of the transformation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Dr. Chiona announced that plans are underway to set up gemstone laboratories through the Malawi Mining Company (MAMICO), and that the Ministry will work with small-scale miners to promote beneficiation and reduce raw material exports.Adding to this, MAMICO CEO Professor Kalindakafe revealed that the company plans to begin buying and selling gemstones and will establish a lapidary centre to produce finished jewelry for both domestic and export markets.
This marks the entry of two government-linked institutions — EDF and MAMICO — into the gemstone value chain, signaling a major policy shift.President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, in his keynote address, criticized the Ministry of Mining for its silence and poor communication on important sector developments.
He instructed the Ministry to provide regular updates and emphasized the urgent need for strong testing laboratories to ensure Malawi maximizes value from its rich mineral resources.“We fully support the Minister and the President’s vision.But it is now up to the Ministry’s technocrats to deliver.
Collaboration with accredited experts and the private sector is no longer optional—it is essential,” he said.As the forum ends, the spotlight turns to whether the Ministry will implement the President’s directive and turn policy promises into practical, inclusive progress.The post Gemstone lab backs Govt’s bold mining vision —but urges ministry to walk the talk appeared first on The Maravi Post.
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