Brief Overview of Malawi

Malawi is a land-locked country covering 118,500 square meters. The country is surrounded by Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Just beyond the country there are other countries such as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Malawi is a member of SADC and COMESA and it exports manufactured products to other member countries duty-free.

The country has an abundance of natural resources and numerous tracts of beautiful natural scenery including game reserves and sandy beaches along Lake Malawi.

Lake Malawi is one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world and holds the most diverse number of fish species in one single body - over 800 species

The main economic sector in Malawi is agriculture, with some dependence on tobacco, sugar, coffee, and tea exports.

The main export commodities include tobacco, tea, raw sugar, beans, soybean products, and clothing and apparel.

Malawi’s main export partners are Belgium, the United States, Egypt, South Africa, Germany, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates.

The main import commodities include refined petroleum, packaged medicines, fertilizers, and office machinery / parts.

Economic Indicators
Population (2023)
20.9 million
Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (2023)
US$ 13.272 billion
Real GDP growth rate (2023)
1.6%
GDP per capita (2023)
US$ 634.84
Average annual inflation (2023)
28.7%
Currency
Malawi Kwacha (MWK)
World economic forum global competitiveness index (2019)
128/141
World Bank ease of doing business (2020)
109/190
Corruption perception rank (2023)
115/180

Cities and attractions

Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world and holds the most diverse number of fish species in one single body - over 800 species.
Majete Game Reserve
This is a nature reserve located in southwest Malawi. The park received big five game status and is a popular tourist attraction.
Mulanje Mountain
This is Malawi’s largest mountain. Sapitwa Peak, the country’s highest point is located on Mulanje Mountain.
Liwonde National Park
This is a wildlife reserve located in the southern region, south of Lake Malawi.
Lujeri Tea Estate
Grows and processes high quality tea under the imposing Mulanje Mountain.
Dwangwa Sugar Estate
This is a sugar plantation located in Malawi’s Central Region.
Blantyre City
This is Malawi’s second largest city and its centre of finance and commerce.
Lilongwe City
This is Malawi’s capital and largest city. It is the most populated city in Malawi.