Malawi’s government is seeking $309 billion in unpaid taxes and royalties from Columbia Gem House, a U.S.-based gemstone company, for rubies exported over the past decade.
Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda alleges that Columbia Gem House under-reported the value of the exported rubies, leading to significant revenue losses for Malawi.
Columbia Gem House has dismissed the claim as “baseless and defamatory,” arguing that the figures are unrealistic and that it does not operate directly in Malawi but sources gemstones from Nyala Mines, a Malawian-owned company.
In addition to this claim, Malawi is demanding $4 billion from French energy firm TotalEnergies over an oil storage deal and $9.5 million from Turkish tobacco company Star Agritech.
These claims come as Malawi faces economic challenges, including a national debt of approximately $1.2 billion and a recent $174 million bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
The government’s pursuit of these substantial sums reflects its efforts to address financial difficulties and ensure fair compensation from international companies operating within its borders.
