EU Envoy Meets Mining Minister to Discuss Investment Opportunities and Contract Negotiations

EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister of Mining, Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, to discuss facilities offered by the European Union to support governments in emerging and developing economies.

The EU’s support aims to address knowledge and capacity gaps that often put these governments at a disadvantage in state-investor negotiations.

Ng’oma said the discussion centered around the CONNEX facility, established by G7 countries in 2024, which provides technical assistance to governments in negotiating large-scale investment contracts.

“Malawi’s Ministry of Mining had submitted a request for technical assistance from CONNEX in June 2024 to aid in formulating a Model Mining Development Agreement and building the government’s capacity in mining contract negotiations,” said Ng’oma.

Skinnebach said his meeting with the Minister highlights the EU’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s economic development, particularly in the mining sector.

“The EU has resumed budgetary support to Malawi after a 10-year hiatus, with a new program aimed at enhancing the education sector and public financial management,” said the envoy.

The meeting between Ambassador Skinnebach and Minister Ng’oma is a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between the EU and Malawi, and paves the way for further discussions on investment contracts and economic development.