By Chisomo Phiri
United Transformation Movement (UTM) president Dalitso Kabambe has pledged that, if elected in the upcoming September 16 general elections, his government will invest K500 billion annually in the country’s tourism sector to attract more international visitors, generate billions of dollars in revenue, and create up to one million jobs.
Speaking to 247 Malawi News, Kabambe compared Malawi’s tourism earnings with those of other countries in Africa and beyond, saying the country’s performance falls far short of its potential.
The UTM leader cited Dubai’s projected $62.8 billion in tourism revenue for this year, Kenya’s expected $5 billion and 1.7 million jobs in 2025, and Tanzania’s projected $3.92 billion, noting that millions of people in those countries are employed in the tourism sector.
“In 2024, Malawi earned only $647 million from tourism not even a billion dollars despite being blessed with natural beauty, freshwater lakes, rich wildlife, and the third-largest mountain in Africa,” said Kabambe.
The former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM ) Governor argued that Malawi’s low tourism earnings are due to poor infrastructure and underinvestment in tourism facilities.
He pointed to poor road networks to key tourist destinations, the limited availability of high-standard restaurants and accommodation, the lack of modern transport and amenities at Mulanje Mountain, and the absence of tourism infrastructure in the northern part of Lake Malawi despite its scenic beauty.
Kabambe stressed that natural beauty alone is not enough to attract large numbers of visitors, likening it to ‘a woman who must be well-groomed and dressed to stand out.’
He said a UTM-led government would channel K500 billion annually into improving infrastructure, upgrading tourist sites, and adding modern facilities.
The economist said this investment could transform Malawi’s tourism into a billion-dollar industry and significantly reduce unemployment.
“This vision will only become reality if Malawians vote for Dr. Kabambe and UTM,” he said.
