By Wezzie Gausi:
The signing of a $500 million (K870 billion) memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malawi and global commodities firm Trafigura, aimed at restoring Miombo woodlands, has been delayed due to concerns over clauses referencing international laws.
In September 2024, President Lazarus Chakwera responded to calls at the United Nations General Assembly for Malawi to participate in the conservation of Miombo trees.
Miombo woodlands are a type of tropical woodland ecosystem primarily found in parts of central and southern Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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The woodlands are a characteristic feature of the Miombo biome, named after the dominant tree species in the region.
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Speaking after appearing before the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament yesterday, Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Richard Pelekamoyo, said Trafigura had drafted the MoU, prompting the government to subject it to legal scrutiny.
However, he pledged that the review process would be completed by the end of February.
“The MoU has been sent to the Ministry of Justice for review and amendments to some of the clauses. It should also be noted that a committee, comprising members from the two ministries, has been set up to evaluate the agreement,” Pelekamoyo said.
Chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee, Werani Chilenga, criticised the ministry for its apparent slow pace, warning that the country risks losing an opportunity to benefit from the lucrative carbon market.
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“The President has already approved this venture. Such delays hinder Malawi’s ability to tap into the resources available in the carbon market, which could also boost our foreign exchange reserves,” Chilenga said.
The Miombo restoration project is a major initiative to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change.
The Miombo woodlands are said to be critical for carbon sequestration, biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
They have, however, been under threat due to deforestation for agriculture, illegal logging, climate change, overgrazing, habitat loss due to human-wildlife conflict, invasive species, mining and poor land management.
The proposed partnership with Trafigura is expected to facilitate large-scale restoration efforts, producing carbon credits for commercialisation.
