Malawi

Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked nation in southeastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The country derives its name from the Maravi people, an ancient Bantu-speaking group whose name means “flames” in the Chewa language. Despite its modest territorial size, Malawi is known for its ethnic diversity, vibrant cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, notably Lake Malawi, one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse freshwater lakes.

Historical Background

Malawi’s early history centres on the Maravi Kingdom, established around 1500 CE, encompassing parts of present-day Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. The Maravi people—primarily Chewa—developed an organised political structure and active trade networks. By the 18th century, the kingdom weakened due to slave trading and regional conflict.
In the 19th century, Ngoni migrations from southern Africa and Yao traders from Mozambique reshaped Malawi’s social fabric. The Yao introduced Islam, while British missionaries such as David Livingstone promoted Christianity and Western education. The area’s growing strategic and missionary interest led Britain to declare a protectorate in 1891, initially called the British Central Africa Protectorate and later renamed Nyasaland in 1907.
Nyasaland was incorporated into the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–1963), a political union with modern Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rising nationalist opposition, spearheaded by Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led to the federation’s collapse. Malawi gained independence on 6 July 1964, becoming a republic two years later with Banda as president.
Banda ruled as an authoritarian leader for three decades, declaring himself President for Life in 1971. His regime was characterised by economic discipline, relative stability, and severe political repression. Following widespread protests and international pressure, Malawi held a referendum in 1993, ending one-party rule and restoring multiparty democracy.
Bakili Muluzi (1994–2004) of the United Democratic Front (UDF) became Malawi’s first democratically elected leader, succeeded by Bingu wa Mutharika (2004–2012), Joyce Banda (2012–2014), and Peter Mutharika (2014–2020). After the Constitutional Court annulled the disputed 2019 election, a landmark re-run in 2020 brought Lazarus Chakwera to power under the MCP, marking a democratic milestone in African politics.
By 2025, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Peter Mutharika, returned to the presidency, reflecting Malawi’s competitive but peaceful electoral culture.

Geography and Environment

Malawi covers 118,484 square kilometres, with Lake Malawi occupying nearly one-fifth of the total area. The terrain consists of plateaus, hills, and mountain ranges, including Mount Mlanje (Sapitwa Peak, 3,002 m)—the highest point in the nation. Major rivers include the Shire River, a tributary of the Zambezi, which supports hydroelectric projects.

• Climate: Subtropical, with a rainy season (November–May) and a dry season (May–November)
• Lakes: Lake Malawi (22,490 sq km), Lake Chilwa
• Forested area: Approximately 23% of land
• Agricultural land: Around 64%

Lake Malawi, sometimes called the “Calendar Lake” due to its 365-mile length, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sustains one of the world’s most diverse freshwater fish populations. However, Malawi faces severe environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable to floods and droughts, intensified by climate change.
The government promotes community-based natural resource management and is a signatory to global environmental accords such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

People and Society

Malawi’s population, estimated at 21.76 million (2024), is characterised by high growth (2.22% annually) and youthfulness, with a median age of 20.3 years. Approximately 38% of citizens are under 15 years old, creating both opportunities and pressures in education, healthcare, and employment.
Ethnic composition:

• Chewa – 34.3%
• Lomwe – 18.8%
• Yao – 13.2%
• Ngoni – 10.4%
• Tumbuka – 9.2%
• Others – remaining groups

Languages: English (official) and Chichewa (widely spoken national language)
Religions:

• Protestant – 33.5%
• Roman Catholic – 17.2%
• Other Christian – 26.6%
• Muslim – 13.8%

Urbanisation remains low at 18.3%, though Lilongwe and Blantyre–Limbe are expanding rapidly. Fertility averages 3.19 children per woman, while life expectancy has risen to 73 years, reflecting progress in healthcare and HIV/AIDS management.
Despite improvements, access to healthcare remains limited, with only 0.05 physicians per 1,000 people. Maternal mortality (225 deaths per 100,000 live births) and infant mortality (33 per 1,000) remain high. Access to improved drinking water is around 72%, but sanitation facilities lag behind, especially in rural areas.
Education is universal and free at the primary level but constrained by resource shortages. Literacy stands at 70.2%, with persistent gender gaps in rural communities. The government invests 3.3% of GDP in education and promotes technical and vocational training to improve employment prospects.

Government and Politics

Malawi is a presidential republic under the 1994 Constitution (effective 1995). The President serves as both head of state and head of government for a renewable five-year term.

• Capital: Lilongwe
• President (2025): Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party – DPP)
• Legislature: National Assembly with 193 members
• Judiciary: Supreme Court of Appeal, High Court, and Magistrate Courts

Malawi maintains a multi-party democracy, with key parties including the DPP, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP), and United Transformation Movement (UTM). While democratic institutions have strengthened, corruption, clientelism, and weak administrative capacity persist as major governance challenges. Electoral reforms and civil society engagement continue to enhance transparency and political accountability.

Economy

Malawi’s economy is low-income and agriculture-based, with over 80% of the workforce engaged in subsistence farming. Despite modest growth, widespread poverty, high inflation, and food insecurity remain significant barriers to development.

• GDP (PPP, 2024): $35.4 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $1,600
• Real GDP growth (2024): 1.8%
• Inflation: 32.2%
• Unemployment: 5.1%
• Public debt: >55% of GDP

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 32.4%
• Industry: 16%
• Services: 44.9%

Main agricultural products: Maize, cassava, legumes, tea, tobacco, and sugar.Key industries: Food processing, cement, textiles, and small-scale manufacturing.
Trade (2023):

• Exports: $1.53 billion — tobacco, tea, sugar, legumes, soybeans
• Imports: $3.99 billion — petroleum, fertilizers, plastics, machinery, garments
• Main partners: Germany, India, South Africa, China, UAE, USA

The Malawian kwacha (MWK) faces frequent devaluation (≈1,161 MWK/USD in 2023), while foreign reserves remain under $600 million. The informal sector and donor aid underpin much of the economy, with remittances contributing 1.4% of GDP.

Energy and Infrastructure

Malawi’s energy deficit is one of Africa’s most severe, with only 14% of the population having access to electricity. Hydropower (90% of capacity, 731,000 kW) dominates generation, primarily from the Shire River.
Efforts are underway to expand solar mini-grids, off-grid electrification, and renewable energy partnerships, guided by the Malawi Renewable Energy Strategy.
Infrastructure remains limited, with 767 km of railways, 27 airports, and an underdeveloped road system, much of which becomes impassable during the rainy season. Mobile penetration stands at 60%, though internet access is only 18% of the population.

Defence and Security

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) includes the Army, Maritime Force, Air Force, and National Service, numbering around 10,000 active personnel. Defence spending accounts for 0.8% of GDP.
The MDF contributes to United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions, including MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Domestically, it supports disaster relief, border control, and environmental protection efforts.

Culture and Heritage

Malawi’s culture is deeply rooted in Bantu traditions, emphasising community life, music, and dance. Ceremonies such as the Gule Wamkulu of the Chewa people—a masked ritual performance—are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The national flag, featuring black, red, and green stripes with a rising sun, symbolises African identity, sacrifice, and renewal. The national anthem, “Mulungu dalitsa Malawi” (O God Bless Our Land of Malawi), composed by Michael-Fredrick Paul Sauka, reflects unity and national pride.