Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” for its hospitality and friendly culture.
The Republic of Malawi
MalawiEastern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)English, Chewa
National CurrencyMalawian Kwacha (MWK)
National Day(s)6 July
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalLilongwe
Economic CapitalBlantyre
Cultural CapitalBlantyre
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE-
Primary AirportKamuzu International Airport (LLW)
Primary PortLandlocked; relies on regional seaports, including Beira and Nacala (Mozambique) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the CoastlineLandlocked
Highest PointSapitwa Peak, Mount Mulanje (3,002 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLake Malawi (the third-largest freshwater lake in Africa)
ClimateSubtropical
Border Countries
MozambiqueTanzaniaZambia
3Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Lake Malawi is one of the world’s deepest and largest freshwater lakes, home to more fish species than any other lake.
Malawi hosts the Lake of Stars Festival, one of Africa’s best-known music and arts festivals.
Chambo, a popular fish from Lake Malawi, is considered a national delicacy.
Malawi’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, especially tobacco, tea and sugar.
The country is known for its unique cichlid fish, found almost exclusively in Lake Malawi.
Mount Mulanje is one of the highest mountains in Southern Africa and a major hiking destination.
Malawi has held multiparty elections since 1994, with several peaceful transfers of presidential power.
Malawi’s national parks are home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
The country is known for traditional dances such as Gule Wamkulu, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Football is Malawi’s most popular sport and is followed passionately across the country.
Nyika National Park is famous for its rolling grasslands, wildlife and rare orchids.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | MalawiUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Prof. Dr. Arthur Peter Mutharika
Since October 2025
H.E. Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah
Since October 2025
H.E. Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda
Since October 2025
H.E. Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha
Since October 2025
H.E. Simon Itaye
Since January 2026
H.E. Feston Kaupa
Since January 2026
Political Summary
Political System
Presidential Republic
Ruling Party
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP): Center (since 2025)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Malawi Congress Party (MCP)
Next Presidential Election
Expected in September 2030
Next Legislative Election
September 2030
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
44Organizations
28Member
0Founding Member
2Partner, Observer or Participant
14Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Malawi | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations12 Jun 199630 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohamed Salem Al RashdiUAE Ambassador to Malawi · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Younos Abdul KarimAmbassador of Malawi to the UAE · Non-residentLast Updated: October 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures1Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo1
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Malawi Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Malawi | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 7 May 2025. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | - | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Ratified on 24 Apr 2018 (Federal Decree No. 96 of 2018). |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Malawi | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign AffairsMay2025
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Joseph Mathyola MwanamvekhaMember of Parliament and Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization of MalawiDec2025
- H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy ChakweraPresident of MalawiDec2024
- H.E. Eisenhower Nduwa MkakaMinister of Foreign Affairs of MalawiOct2021
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)2.5USD Millions
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Malawian Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Malawi
DP World-
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
UAE-Malawi Joint Business Council
Joint Business Council(s)Established in 2025; no meetings have been held since.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Various UAE Chambers
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research