Malawi has secured its largest-ever foreign investment in the mining sector through a $7 billion agreement with Chinese conglomerate Hunan Sunwalk Technology Group.
Signed on June 16, 2025, during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, China, the deal centers on a major titanium extraction project in Salima and the establishment of a modern mineral processing facility within Malawi.
Minister of Mining Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma described the memorandum of understanding as a strategic breakthrough aligned with President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s vision to make mining a cornerstone of national economic development.
“This MoU signals a new era; anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
It aligns squarely with President Chakwera’s agenda to turn mining into a driver of national development,” Ng’oma said.
Hunan Sunwalk’s CEO and Founder Hou Xingwang called the agreement a milestone for both Malawi and China, emphasizing its role in facilitating the flow of capital, technology, and skilled labor between the two countries.
Hou also expressed interest in expanding investments into agriculture and other sectors to support Malawi’s broader economic growth.
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Ng’oma stressed that the partnership extends beyond raw material extraction to include technology transfer, strict environmental compliance, and human resource development.
He pointed to Hunan Sunwalk’s track record in Zimbabwe as evidence of the company’s operational capabilities.
Reassuring the public, the minister noted, “This is the first time Malawi has entered into such a comprehensive MoU with a multinational mining corporation.
We ensured that due diligence was conducted thoroughly, and we are confident that the interests of Malawians are well protected.”
Officials on both sides described the deal as a “win-win” venture poised to generate thousands of jobs, spur infrastructure development, and stimulate economic growth.
Exploration and feasibility studies are already underway in Salima District.
As Malawi and other African nations move away from traditional aid models often linked with political conditions, this partnership with China marks a pivotal shift.
It signals the start of a new industrial chapter for Malawi, one that blends local ambition with international expertise to unlock the full potential of its natural resources.
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