string(14) "slug is malawi" Malawi - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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Malawi

Capital: Lilongwe

Population

Estimated at 21.1 million (2023)

Area

Approximately 118,484 km²

GDP

$12.6 billion (2023)

Bordering Countries

3

Overview

Southeastern Africa, landlocked; bordered by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania

Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa", is a landlocked country dominated by Lake Malawi and agriculture. It remains one of the world's poorest nations, highly vulnerable to climate shocks and economic instability.

Bordering Countries: Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Tobacco, tea, sugar

Key Industries

Agriculture (tobacco, tea, sugar, maize), manufacturing, services

Economic Challenges

High poverty (>70%), high inflation (>30% in 2025), budget deficit (8.7% of GDP), foreign exchange shortages, vulnerability to climate shocks

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Regional corridors through Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia to seaports

Port Access

Seaports via Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Underdeveloped roads and railways; efforts to improve connectivity

Trade & Transit Challenges

Foreign exchange shortages, import bans, logistical constraints

Key Statistics & Indicators

Human Development Index: 0.??? (Ranked 172nd globally)

National Trade & Development Strategies

Vision 2063: agricultural commercialization, industrialization, urbanization

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Agricultural commercialization, infrastructure development, fiscal reforms, social protection, mining mega-projects