Did you know that Malawi’s tourism sector is expected to earn $260 million by 2028? Yes, that’s right! Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, may be a small country, but it offers diverse opportunities in each sector, especially in tourism. The country is well known for its geographical beauty, diverse culture, and natural resources. 

Thanks to the Malawi government for developing the Tourism Investment Master Plan, the country can reshape its potential for tourism. Several large-scale tourism projects in Malawi are ongoing across key locations, such as Blantyre, Nkhatabay, Likoma Island, and Nyika National Park. 

These tourism projects in Malawi are more than just numbers; they are signs of development in this sector, designed to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The projects not only develop the infrastructure of the country but also create further opportunities for investors. 

Investment in Malawi’s tourism projects will lead to a well-planned reformation of the industry. As Malawi moves towards the sustainable development of its tourism industry, investing in these projects will strengthen the economy and ensure the long-term value of the country. 

In this blog, we will discuss some of the tourism projects in Malawi that will be a game-changing factor in Malawi’s tourism sector. We will also focus on the financial status, current updates, and the impact of the projects on Malawi.

This blog will cover the overview of the following tourism projects in Malawi:

Countrywide Resort Hotel – Blantyre

Countrywide Resort Hotel – Nkhatabay

Livingstonia Mid-market Resort in Nyika National Park in Rumphi

Activity Centre on Likoma Island

There are many tourism projects in Malawi that are contributing to the country’s economy. Let’s talk about them.

1. Countrywide Resort Hotel – Blantyre:

The Countrywide Resort Hotel project in Kabula, Blantyre, managed by Countrywide Hotels and Resorts Limited, is one of the mega projects of Malawi’s tourism industry. This project is aimed at developing Malawi’s tourism infrastructure. This is one of the tourism projects in Malawi that aligns with the government’s objectives to promote tourism as one of the key factors of Malawi’s economic development.

Location and Market Context: 

The primary focus of this project is to construct and operate hotels and resorts. The project’s implementation areas are technically selected to bring up the best output. This project is focused on Blantyre, which is the center of finance and commerce in Malawi. This is the second largest city in Malawi. Because of its high involvement in economic activities, Blantyre welcomes a large number of people with diverse offerings for tourism. 

Financial Overview:

In this section, you will get an overview of the overall financial requirements of the project. This will provide you with an idea about the vastness of the project and the impact it will have on the Malawian economy. 

As an investor, it is difficult to make a decision without having an in-depth knowledge of the project. The table given below will provide an idea about the progress of the project to help in this regard.

Project Benefits and Government Alignment:

Contribution to achieving national, regional, or global economic, social, environmental, and developmental goals: This project will develop the tourism infrastructure of Malawi. This will create more employment for the local people. It will have a positive impact on the socio-economic condition as well. This will ultimately help the government to achieve its national, regional, or global economic, social, environmental, and development goals.  

Forex Generation: This project aims to develop Malawi’s tourism infrastructure. Developed infrastructure with exclusive offerings will attract foreign tourists to visit Malawi. As one of the significant tourism projects in Malawi, it will contribute financially during their stay, which will help in the forex generation, making a positive impact on Malawi’s economy. 

Value Addition: This project will develop Malawi’s tourism sector from various aspects, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists. This will help Malawi to be able to take a competitive advantage over the neighboring countries. 

Photo: St Michael and All Angels Church, Blantyre

2. Countrywide Resort Hotel – Nkhatabay:

The Integrated Waterfront Development in Nkhata Bay is one of the major projects in the tourism industry. This project is part of the important tourism projects in Malawi, followed by the Malawi Tourism Development Master Plan. This project was taken to transform Nkhata Bay into a premium waterfront destination. This will attract both domestic and international tourists. 

Location and Market Context:

The project is in the Nkhatabay which lies on the shores of Lake Malawi. It is also situated near to Likoma Island. The Integrated Waterfront Development has three major sections to focus on. 

Port and jetty upgradation: This part consists of constructing a 75-meter long jetty. It will also include tourist facilities such as curio shops, public toilets, and a 40-seater cafeteria. 

Commercial bay: Developing a promenade, marina, and parking will support commercial activities. It will also provide visitors with recreational space. 

Chilundu Point: Chilundu Point will include a 20-room boutique hotel, 10-bed ecolodge, and ecotourism training facility. 

Financial Overview:

This section will provide you with an overview of the overall financial requirements of the project and its importance and impact on Malawi’s economy. 

Strategic Significance:

Nkhatabay is a land of opportunity. The project can turn this area into a hot cake in Malawi. The compilation of the project will have strategic significance. 

Tourism Gateway: Nkhatabay serves as the key transit point to the Likoma and Chizumulu islands. Illala Lake Ferry regularly stops here, which will increase the flow of tourists in the future. This will also encourage tourists to have an overnight tour of Nkhatabay.  

Economic Potential: The development of Chilundu Point as an ecotourism hub will open a new horizon for tourism. This will attract more tourists, creating more employment in the tourism sector and making an overall positive impact on the economic growth of Malawi. 

Project Benefits and Government Alignment

Contribution to achieving national, regional, or global economic, social, environmental, and developmental goals: Successfully completing the project will develop the overall tourism infrastructure of Malawi. This will lead to creating more employment for local people. The socio-economic condition of the local people will be developed at the same time. This will ultimately help the government to achieve its national, regional, or global economic, social, environmental, and development goals.  

Forex Generation: This project will develop the tourism infrastructure of Malawi. Differentiating offerings with improved facilities will attract tourists from other parts of the world to visit Malawi. They will contribute financially while visiting Malawi, which will help in the forex generation and strengthen Malawi’s economy. 

Value Addition: This is one of the tourism projects in Malawi that will work on the development of the tourism sector from different dimensions. This will add creative insights into the sector to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. It will help them to take their services to the international level, which will ultimately align with the Malawian government’s focus on value addition. 

3. Tourism Resort and Houseboats Harbour in Nkhotakota:

The Nkhotakota Tourism Resort and Houseboats Harbour is one of the significant projects aiming to develop the tourism infrastructure of Malawi. This project includes a Hotel, Shopping, and Entertainment Center, a marina, and a harbor that can accommodate and service houseboats.

Location and Market Context: 

In Nkhotakota, the major infrastructure of this project is a 78-room hotel. The hotel will feature standard and luxury rooms for both domestic and international tourists. Tourists will get an exclusive dining experience with the guests.  

There will be an entertainment center in this project. It will have an indoor games area, swimming pools, activity desks, and a refreshment center. There will also be some department stores, liquor stores, and souvenir shops that satisfy the needs of both local people and foreign visitors. 

Financial Overview: 

The detailed financial reports for Nkhotakota are not publicly available. However, the visible developments show the project’s economic impact. 

Current Status:

In July 2024, the African Development Bank initiated a feasibility study and detailed engineering design for Nkhotakota Jetty. This jetty is a vital part of the harbor infrastructure. The study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities of the project by conducting a feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment. Also, detailed engineering designs and the preparation of documents will be included here.

Project Benefits and Government Alignment

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve: Managed by African Parks, has experienced a significant increase in revenue. The revenue has almost doubled in recent years. They have doubled the revenue by opening new facilities, such as Livezi Bush Camp and a Youth hostel. They have also increased the park entry fees, which has a positive impact on the revenue. These infrastructures will open a new horizon for the tourism industry of Malawi. 

4. Livingstonia Mid-market Resort in Nyika National Park in Rumphi:

The Livingstonia Mid-market Resort is a part of the Malawi Tourism Development Master Plan. This project is now in the planning stage. Through this project, tourism development will be done in Nyika National Park in Rumphi.   

Location and Market Context: 

In Nyika National Park in Rumphi, the major construction of this project consists of a 20-room hotel, a self-catering accommodation that will provide tourists with diverse offerings. An activity center will offer the guests different indoor and outdoor activities. A business center will be constructed to provide a calm environment for business clients to conduct their activities. 

A family-oriented resort with premium dining experiences and activities for guests is also in the project. Because of its geographic location, Livingstonia offers tourists stunning views along with very favorable weather for traveling. Livingstonia has an enriched history and culture. Still, visitors will find distinctive red brick buildings, a church, and a small museum here. This place is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

Photo: Map of the site location 

(Source: https://www.austinmadinga.com/malawi-priority-tourism-development-master-plan/?utm)

Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest national park. It covers an area of 3200 km². This park is popular for its biological diversity. It is a package of a variety of activities like ecotourism, hiking, and viewing wildlife. The Livingstonia Mid-Market Resor aims to utilize the park’s natural beauty and also historical significance. This project will rebrand the park to the tourists with developed tourism-friendly infrastructures. 

Current Status:

As one of the tourism projects in Malawi, this project is currently under planning, and detailed designs and financial assessments are also being developed. This is done to ensure the project’s feasibility and alignment with sustainable tourism practices. 

Activity Centre on Likoma Island:

The Likoma Island Activity Centre is an important part of Malawi’s tourism development strategy. This project aims to transform Likoma Island into a lucrative and premium destination for tourists.

Photo: Map of the site location 

(Source: https://www.austinmadinga.com/malawi-priority-tourism-development-master-plan/?utm)

Project Benefits and Government Alignment

The main objective of this project is to develop the tourism infrastructure of the island. It will result in diversified tourism offerings and have a positive impact on Malawi’s economy. This is a project with diverse sections that will transform the island’s appearance. 

The Activity Centre on Likoma Island project is part of a $500 million investment that has plans to develop various tourism infrastructure on the island.

The total investment for the Activity Centre is estimated at $263 million. According to the recent May 2025 update, the Likoma Activity Centre is in the pre-construction phase. Along with the activity center, other infrastructures are now under construction. Apart from the activity center, the Likoma jetty and a 1 MW solar power plant are under construction.   

Malawi is more than just a travel destination; it is a land of opportunities. With the Malawi Tourism Development Master Plan, the country offers a friendly environment that will attract more domestic and international tourists. The number of tourists will continue to grow, which will positively contribute to Malawi’s economic growth. Also, to note that, under the Malawi Tourism Development Master Plan, several projects are taking place that will reshape the tourism industry of Malawi. 

Investing in these tourism projects in Malawi offers many great business opportunities. The projects will not only develop the infrastructure but will also result in exclusive offerings. Hence, it is time for local and global investors to seize the opportunity to reshape the tourism sector of Malawi. 

Investing in these tourism projects in Malawi will not only ensure economic growth but also contribute to building a better future. Investors can play an important role in this journey by helping create a sustainable tourism industry. 

With strategic government support and growing tourist demand, the tourism sector will continue to grow, and Malawi is ready for it. And, as one of the first investors, you’ll have the chance to enjoy steady and strong growth in this sector. You will also have the chance to improve the tourism projects in Malawi in the near future.